Zarthost No Deeso Festival is a Zoroastrian festival. It is observed as a mourning day. This day is observed as the death anniversary of Prophet Zoroaster.
Zarthost No Deeso is observed on Khorshed roz, Dae Mah 11 th day, and 10th month of the Zoroastrian calendar. It falls in the month of June, according to Roman calendar. On this day, death anniversary of Prophet Zoroaster is symbolically is observed.
Place of worship for Parsis is Fire Temple . On the day of Zarthost No Deeso, Zoroastrians visit Fire Temple and offer special prayers in the name of Prophet Zoroaster.
According to Parsi holy texts, it is believed that Prophet Zoroaster died in a temple while praying. On this day many lectures and other events related to the life and works of the Prophet are organised in the temples.
This occasion is not marked by any kind of public functions. Parsis prefer to be limited to their community only. Any kind of services, rituals and ceremonies are limited to home or temple only.
There are many legends about the death of Zarathushtra. According to one version, it is believed that Turanian army killed him while he was praying in the fire-temple, in his 77 th year. Another version said that, it was not Zarathushtra, someone else was killed and Zarathushtra ascended to skies himself. Other variation says that Zarathushtra died while he was sleeping. Yet another legend says that Zarathushtra was killed by a thunderbolt.
In India , this festival is observed by Parsis living in Mumbai, Gujarat and other regions where Parsis live.
