Holiday of Ksharta-Varya in Zoroastrianism

The Kshatra-Varyu holiday is the autumn holiday of Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world. The name of the holiday comes from the name of the leader of the heavenly army, depicted as a sage warrior with a fiery sword. Zoroastrianism, after its founding, was widespread in the territories of the Iranian large cultural continent, which included the modern lands of the Caucasus, Central Asia, Turkey, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. In Zoroastrianism there are nine fundamental doctrines: belief in a wise god as a good creator (Ahura Mazda); to Zoroaster, as the only prophet of Ahura-Mazda; belief in the existence of a spiritual world and two spirits; faith in righteousness and harmony - Ashu; faith in the human essence, which contains faith, conscience, reason; into seven stages of human personality development; belief in mutual assistance; belief in the sanctity of natural elements; faith in the expulsion of evil and the final victory of the Savior of the world. The September holiday of Kshatra-Varyu is dedicated to warriors, honest, active and courageous people who are not afraid to challenge the injustice of the world. This is a holiday of warriors striving for victory. Traditionally, masons and blacksmiths who work with stone and metal are also honored. On this day it is customary to bless weapons. On the Kshatra-Varyu holiday, it is also customary for believers to take on difficult responsibilities, such as getting rid of fears or overcoming obstacles. Obligations that push a person into difficulties in one or another area of ​​life are the so-called barrier to spiritual and personal growth. Overcoming one’s own barriers develops and shapes one’s own internal spiritual development. In turn, spiritual development helps strengthen faith in God, as well as faith in a person’s personal capabilities. The Kshatra-Varyu holiday is celebrated in Zoroastrianism at the beginning of September, on the tenth day. On this day, church fathers pray for spiritual healing and deliverance from fears. According to tradition, on the holiday, believers prepare military food, consisting of coarse porridge and hard-boiled rye cakes, in order to experience asceticism, both in internal and external manifestations.