Statement from the Pasargad Heritage Foundation
Mehregan: a message of love and enlightenment
(10th – 16th Mehr – 1st – 7 h October)
Mehrgaan : Painting by Nestor Rakhshani
We are now on the eve of one of the largest celebrations in the world, the Mehregan celebration, which dates back thousands of years.
Mehregan is a nonreligious and apolitical celebration which to this day remains a symbol of beauty and new beginnings, as it carries a compassionate and cherished message.
Mehregan fosters a message of love and enlightenment, and for this reason it is known as “the Day of Love” in Iranian culture. It is also a day of commemoration for “fulfillment of the covenant,” because in our ancient culture, breaking the promise or pledge was considered deceitful and destructive as one of the worst sins.
Another important aspect of Mehregan, like other Iranian celebrations, is its secularity. During Mehregan, all people, regardless of gender, faith, religion, or race can be together, celebrating and sharing their joy.
Unfortunately for the last forty-two years, due to the dominance of an anti-Iranian culture and religious government, Iranians have not been able to hold and celebrate their national and non-religious celebrations easily, yet these festivities deserve to be celebrated in Iran.
This year, in particular because of challenges and problems from the pandemic and COVID-19, people have had more difficulty holding celebrations, even for Iranians abroad, therefore severely reducing and limiting the celebration of Mehregan and other annual events.
The Pasargad Heritage Foundation, like every year, asks the friends of Iranian culture to participate in the Mehregan celebration and to help preserve and spread its invaluable messages however possible.
This year our advice to lovers of Iranian culture, especially young people, is to use the internet and social media and to celebrate Mehregan with new initiatives and in a virtual way.
And let us not forget, in every Iranian celebration and ritual, to honor the memories of the martyrs and prisoners in Iran who have been fighting for freedom, so as to give more meaning and honor to our celebrations by remembering them and their names.
With kindness and joy,
Shokooh Mirzadegi
Pasargad Heritage Foundation
September 24, 2020
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