Tištar and Tištar-yašt: the celestial ray defeating drought

The Zoroastrian calendar has festivals that do not simply mark the change of seasons but reproduce the sacred drama of the cosmos. One of the most vivid and poetic is Tištar, also known as Tirgan or Jashn-e Tirgan. This summer festival honors Tištrya — the deity of rain and fertility, associated with the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius. But the meaning of this day extends far beyond the agrarian calendar: it is a story of a cosmic battle, the power of sacrifice, and how light and water defeat darkness and drought.

Meanings and significance: from the star to the rain

Tištar — the celestial warrior

Tištar is not just an abstract deity. In the Zoroastrian tradition, he is a yazata, meaning a “worthy of worship” spirit that embodies Sirius. Sirius is the brightest star in the sky, and in ancient times, its heliacal rising (first appearance in the morning sky) heralded the beginning of the summer heat and, critically importantly for Iran, the approach of the rainy season. Tištar is a star that brings life-giving moisture. His name translates as “connected to three stars” and is directly related to light and glory.

The myth of the victory over Apaosha

The central myth underlying the festival is the epic confrontation described in the “Tištar-yašt” (Tir-yašt), the eighth hymn of the Avesta. According to this legend, Tištar engages in battle with Apaosha, the demon of drought. The battle takes place in the form of two horses: Tištar appears as a beautiful white horse with golden ears, while his opponent is a repulsive black horse.

Initially, the demon gains the upper hand, weakening Tištar due to a lack of respect and sacrifices from people. The deity calls upon Ahura Mazda, the creator of all things, who intervenes and performs a sacrifice. Filled with this power, Tištar re-enters the fight and finally defeats Apaosha. Then, long-awaited rains pour down on the parched fields and pastures, bringing life and fertility. This myth emphasizes the fundamental importance of sacrifices in the religious tradition of Zoroastrianism.

The legend of Arash the archer

In addition to the cosmic battle, the festival of Tirgan is also associated with the heroic legend of Arash the archer (Arash-e Kamangir). According to tradition, the Persian king Manuchehr and the Turanian king Afrašyab decided to establish a border between their lands. It was decided that the archer Arash would ascend to the summit of Mount Damavand and shoot an arrow. The place where the arrow falls would become the new border.

Arash released the arrow (in Persian “tir”) on the 13th day of the month of Tir, and its flight lasted from dawn until noon until it fell on the banks of the river Jayhun (Amu Darya). The legend says that as soon as the border was established, long-awaited rain fell on both lands, which had been suffering from an eight-year drought. So the arrow (tir) became a symbol of peace, justice, and the establishment of order, as well as the beginning of the rainy season.

Attributics and rituals: how Tištar is celebrated

The festival of Tištar (Tirgan) is usually celebrated on the 13th day of the month of Tir according to the Zoroastrian and Iranian calendars, which roughly corresponds to July 2-4. It is one of the three most important seasonal festivals of ancient Iran, along with Nowruz (spring) and Mehregan (autumn). Its rituals are vivid, symbolic, and aimed at attracting water and blessings.

Main rituals

• Rainbow ribbons (Binding “tir” and “bad”): This is the most recognizable custom. Zoroastrians tie colorful ribbons on their wrists. They wear them for ten days and then, on the day of the festival, throw them into running water — a stream or river. It is believed that the ribbons absorb all the bad and take it away, symbolizing purification and renewal.

• Water as the element of the festival: Since Tištar is the deity of rain and water, the festival is unimaginable without it. People douse themselves with water, dance, and sing, rejoicing in the life-giving moisture. This symbolic act is intended to call and welcome the rains.

• Traditional treats: The festive table must include special dishes. Among them are spinach soup and “sholeh zard” (sholeh zard) — a sweet rice pudding with saffron. These dishes are prepared in every home and served as a treat for guests.

• Divination (Kuzeh): In some regions, the ritual of divination with an earthen jar (“Kuzeh”) is practiced, which predicts the future for the coming year.

• Spiritual practices: The festival also includes reading poems, including excerpts from Firdausi’s “Shahname”, where Arash’s feat is described, and conducting thanksgiving services (jashan).

Conclusion

The festival of Tištar (Tirgan) is not just an ancient ritual. It is a living reminder that life on earth depends on the delicate balance between heaven, water, and the will of man. Its meanings are in the worship of natural forces, in the belief in the victory of light over darkness, and in gratitude for every gift bestowed from above. Today, when climate change makes the water problem increasingly acute, this ancient festival sounds anew, reminding us of our common dependence on heavenly moisture and the need to preserve and cherish this precious gift.

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