Parsis who follow the Shahanshahi Zoroastrian calendar ushered the Holy month of Bahman on Thursday, 11^th June, 2026 with much enthusiasm. Bah-man literally means good mind (Bah or Beh = Good and Man = Mind). In Avesta, Bahman is referred to as Vohu (good) Mana (mind), similar to Sanskrit Vasu Manas which represents a Supreme Mind that is completely free from attachments, anger and worldly afflictions.

It is through Vohu Mana that wisdom can be acquired. Hence, Bahman Mah is essentially a month to celebrate wisdom and cultivating a good mind with the practice of premeditated mental gardening. This involves weeding out negative self-talk, nourishing our mind with positive inputs, and maintaining resilience. By prioritizing how we feed and manage our mind, we can build a more fulfilling, peaceful and steady mental state.

Thus, Bahman Mah is not just about abstaining from eating meat, it’s about what we feed our mind. It’s not just about discovering new vegetarian recipes but a month to discover recipes that engage our mind positively, purposefully and productively. It’s a month to wholistically focus on our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Twin Mentality

Asho Zarathushtra’s Gatha refer to both, cosmic as well as individual Mainyu mentalities. While at the macro level there is a cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil, at the micro level too we have our own daily battle, choosing between truth and falsehood or what is morally right and wrong.

In the Ahunavaiti Gatha, Zarathushtra speaks of twin mentalities and choices we all must exercise using our ‘sucha managha’ or ‘clear and illuminated mind’. In this Gatha, Zarathushtra says: “I will speak of the Spirits Twain at the beginning of Life, of whom the Holier Spake thus to the wicked one: Never shall our minds harmonize, nor our doctrines; neither our aspirations, nor yet our beliefs; neither our words nor yet our actions”. This elaborates the ethical duality we observe in this world and in our lives.

The Ahunavaiti Gatha advises: “Hear with your ears the highest Truths, consider them with clear thought, before deciding between the two paths, Man by man, each one for himself”. Zarathushtra speaks here about the moral and ethical choices each one of us must exercise with clear thought or an illuminated mind. And, once we make a decision, we have to be responsible for its consequences. No saviour can come to our rescue except our own truthful, righteous and good thoughts, words and deeds. And, hence, Asho Zarathushtra in reference to these two paths states: “And of these two the wise do choose what’s right; the unwise choose not thus.”

Vohu Mana the key to unlock Ushta

If the Zoroastrian religion is about Ushta or happiness then having the right mindset is the key to unlocking happiness. Our happiness depends on our mindset and attitude because our mind has a powerful way of attracting things that are in harmony with it, be it good and bad. Hence keeping the mind pure and free from toxic thoughts is crucial. It is only through Bahman or the good mind that Mazda or wisdom can be attained. Little wonder that in the Divine hierarchy Bahman is second only to Mazda.

In the Gatha, Asho Zarathushtra asserts that the path leading to Ahura Mazda is through Vohu Manah. In other words, propitiating Bahman Amshaspand takes one closer to Divinity. Interpreted at an ethical level, exercising the right moral and ethical choices with the help of the good mind alone can take one closer to Ahura Mazda – the Lord, Creator or Master of all Wisdom.

Mind of the Universe

It is important to understand that Ahura Mazda is Khud-da or ‘self-created’. Ahura Mazda does not exist outside creation but within creation. This is the reason why Zoroastrians revere every good creation of Ahura Mazda, for Ahura Mazda dwells within the created universe.

Mystics, and increasingly some scientists, believe that the universe is imbued with consciousness and governed by a vast intelligence far beyond the limits of the human mind. In Zoroastrianism, this cosmic intelligence is reflected in Vohu Mana, the Good Mind of Ahura Mazda. Some philosophical and scientific theories suggest that consciousness may exist, in varying degrees, throughout creation, even within the smallest particles of matter. This helps explain why devotees revere consecrated objects, seeing them as manifestations of a conscious creation. The Pahlavi text Menog-i-Khrad teaches that all wisdom flows from Ahura Mazda. The universe neither rewards nor punishes; it responds to our thoughts, words and deeds. Like an echo, what we send into the world returns to us, making wise choices essential.

Religious observations

No special prayers are offered nor special ceremonies are performed during this month. One is only expected to switch to a simple diet of fruits, vegetables, and grains as an act of religious discipline. There is no Yasht (Hymn) or Niyaesh (Litany) dedicated to Bahman. There probably was an Avesta Vohu Manah or Bahman Yasht but which is now lost to us over time. We have a Pahlavi commentary called ‘Zand-e-Vohu Manah Yasna’ but unlike Avesta and Pazand, Pahlavi is not Manthravani or the traditional language of prayer, but many recite it during this holy month. This text is essentially a dialogue between Ahura Mazda and Asho Zarathushtra.

In Navsari, Bahman Roj of Bahman Mah is traditionally marked by the community feast of Ghee Khichdi. Young boys collect rice, dal, ghee and other ingredients from Zoroastrian households, while women shower them with water and cheerful chants, symbolically welcoming the arrival of the monsoon after the summer heat.

Why abstain from meat?

Bahman Amshaspand ranks next to Ahura Mazda. Bahman, the Amshaspand or Amesha Spenta (Bountiful Immortal or Arch Angel), considered guardian of one of Ahura Mazda’s good creations, namely animals – particularly Goshpand like cow, goat, sheep etc. Thus, devout Zoroastrians abstain from eating meat through this month.

While some maintain strict vegetarian diet of grain, fruits and vegetables, others consume chicken and fish as these are not Gospand. Yet others consider eating unfertilised eggs acceptable. However, even those who do not observe vegetarianism for the whole month try to avoid eating meat on Bahman Roj of Bahman Mah and the days dedicated to Bahman’s Hamkara (co-workers) – Mohor, Gosh and Ram.

Mohor or Mah Yazata presides over the moon, Gosh or Geush presides over earth and Mino Ram presides over joy, love, and friendship. Mah or the moon greatly influences our mind and moods. Geush or earth is the planet we dwell on and which sustains all life and Ram or Ramano is the spirit of joy, love, and friendship. All three are co-workers of Vohu Mana or the Good Mind of the Creator. A fascinating combination of Good Mind, Good Matter, Good Mood and Good Friendship!

To conclude, it’s that time of the year to enjoy Khichadi with Bafenu (ripe mango pickle) or with gor amli nu doru (tamarind and jaggery sauce)! More importantly, it’s a time to detoxify the body with a gentler diet and detoxify the mind by replacing negative thoughts and emotions with positivity and self-care. It’s about finding inner peace and balance amidst the chaos of everyday life.