Roj Khorshed of Mah Dae is observed by Parsis following the Shahanshahi calendar as Zarthosht no Deeso – the day on which Asho Zarathushtra passed away from this material world to the spiritual world. Interestingly, the community does not observe this day with sadness. Instead, it is observed with celebration of a life that was well lived and a life that has left a lasting impact since over three and a half millennia.

One could aver that Zarathushtra’s life and teachings is the best example of attaining the ultimate dual goals of spiritual evolution, namely Khordad and Amardad. Avesta Haurvatat (Khordad) embodies wholeness or perfection while Avesta Ameretat (Amardad) represents immortality and deathlessness. Truly the life and message of Asho Zarathushtra is wholesome and timeless. Asho Zarathushtra continues to live in the hearts and minds of all those who follow his way of life which is based on the fundamental principle of Asha (Truth, Righteous Conduct and Divine Order.)

Asha also stands for purity (in thought, word and deed). The colophon to the Yasna asserts, “Aevo pantao yo Ashahe, Vispe anyaesham apantam” (There is but one path, that of Asha. All other paths are false.) In the Hoshbam we pray, “Through the best Asha, through the highest Asha, may we catch sight of Thee (Ahura Mazda), may we approach Thee, may we be in perfect union with Thee.”

The Era of Asho Zarathushtra

Zarathushtra’s era remains deeply shrouded in historical mystery. While ancient Greek sources place his birth as early as 6,000 to 7,000 B.C., modern scholars generally estimate it between 1,500 and 1,800 B.C. Some traditions locate his birthplace in Balkh (Bactria), while others associate it with regions near the Russian Steppes. Traditionally, Zoroastrians believe he was born during the reign of the saintly King Lohrasp of the pre-historic Kayan dynasty. Despite uncertainties surrounding his era, Zarathushtra’s teachings continue to endure with remarkable relevance, profoundly influencing world religions including Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

What a thinker Asho Zarathushtra was for his time! What a profound message of Asha or Truth he taught! ‘Happiness to those who make others happy,’ is what he believed and which is about sharing, about giving and about caring, in thought, word and deed. It is little wonder why on Zarthosht no Deeso the devout reaffirm, ‘Ushta-no zato Athrava, yo spitamo Zarathushtra’ which means ‘Fortunate or blessed are we that Spitama Zarathushtra was born.’

Asho Zarathushtra’s Transition

As per legend, when Asho Zarathushtra was seventy-seven years old and praying at a fire-temple, he was stabbed by an entity called Turbaratur (also known as Tur-i-Bratroresh.) We use the term ‘entity’ because this mythical figure who allegedly caused the death of the Asho Zarathushtra is viewed by some as human and some as a form of negative energy. In other words, some interpret this legendary account literally while others view it allegorically.

According to Pahlavi texts like the Dinkard, Turbulator was an evil sorcerer from the then hostile land of Turan or Turkey which is now called Turkiye. He allegedly, sneaked into the fire temple in Balkh (modern-day Afghanistan) while Asho Zarathushtra was praying and stabbed him in the back with a dagger. The assassin too died when Asho Zarathustra threw his prayer beads at him.

Zoroastrians who are more inclined towards esotericism or mysticism tend to interpret Turbaratur symbolically. In their view, Turbaratur was a cloud of accumulated negative energy – a dark manifestation of the evil thoughts, words and deeds collectively generated over the ages. Only Asho Zarathustra with his spiritual powers could have disintegrated this cloud of dark energy and seamlessly transition from the physical to the spiritual realms and save humanity from the impending doom that this evil force of energy could have wrecked. In a sense, Asho Zarathushtra is believed to have sacrificed his own life to save humanity from being destroyed by the evil Turbaratur.

Opening The Bottle

Traditionally, on Zarthosht no Deeso Parsis tend to take celebrating the life of Asho Zarathustra to a different level altogether. On this day they say: “Zarthosht no diso ne kholo seeso” meaning “It is the Day of Zarthosht, open the bottle (of wine or whisky).” While purists may find this offensive, most Parsis consider it a way of offering a toast to the remarkable life of Asho Zarathushtra. On this day Parsis simply celebrate his life and his teachings with fond remembrance, feasting and celebration.

Interestingly, pouring wine as a symbolic offering to the deceased or to deities, dating back to Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and in several ancient Mediterranean cultures, it honours the dead, bridges the living with the spiritual realm, and acts as a tribute. In Zoroastrianism, grape wine symbolizes spiritual vitality, joy, and the radiant life-giving sun. Historically and traditionally, wine has played an integral symbolic role in various Zoroastrian religious rituals and is one of the mandatory items on the Nowruz table.

Best Tribute To Asho Zarathushtra

Whether we open the seeso (bottle) or not, the best tribute we could pay to Asho Zarathushtra would be by living his way of life. He taught us to ‘think before we believe.’ He taught us to reflect before we choose. Most important of all, he taught us to be happy and added that happiness comes to those who make others happy.

The question to ask ourselves at the end of each day is, how many people we made happy throughout the day and how many more will we make happier tomorrow. This would be truly living Asho Zarathushtra’s message and truly celebrating his life as also our very own!