Holidays of Zoroastrianism - Sraoshi

On February 6-8, according to the Zoroastrian calendar, the day of Sraoshi, one of the sons and companions of the main deity of the Avestan pantheon, Ahura Mazda, is celebrated. God's messenger and protector of people during life and after death. Sraoshi (discipline and obedience) protects believers from temptations and attacks of evil spirits. Sraoshi is considered the patron saint of warriors; he was depicted as a warrior with the head of a camel, or riding a camel, or wearing a camel helmet. Sraoshi is armed with an axe, a club and a spear. He always stands guard over truth and justice, a defender of the orphaned and oppressed. It is impossible to avert just retribution for any good in the world - Sraoshi is incorruptible. He easily unravels any cunning plans and attacks evil in any form wherever he encounters it. The time of day of Sraoshi is the darkest time before the dawn, when evil is strongest. The sacred bird of Sraoshi - the rooster - drives away evil spirits and heralds the sunrise. He is the guardian of ritual rites and an incorruptible judge. Sraoshi stands on the bridge of the dead with Mithra and Rashnu, weighing the sins of the departed. And the Chinvat Bridge is made of light and for the righteous it is wide and stable, but for the sinner it is sharper than a razor blade. Sraoshi also keeps the keys to wisdom and protects the Holy Word, so the celebration has a second name - the day of knowledge. To celebrate the day of Sraoshi, a large “Victory Fire” was kindled, which was lit from 16 sources, which included fires from the hearths of all classes, fire from lightning and fire from the funeral pyre of a non-Zoroastrian. Only the highest priesthood had the right to build and maintain such a sacred fire. On this holiday, all class and property differences were abolished, and rich and poor feasted together. Festive clothes are bright and beautiful, because the colors of Sraoshi are red and white. Non-participation in the celebration was considered a grave sin.