Zoroastrian Representative in Parliament Protests 'Divisive' Remarks Regarding Sadeh Festival

Esfandiar Ekhtiari, the representative of Zoroastrians in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, on Wednesday expressed his objection in a letter to Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, regarding 'the dissemination of false statements about Zoroastrians before and after the Sadeh festival.' According to ISNA, Ekhtiari wrote in part of this letter: 'Unfortunately, this year, events surrounding the great and national Sadeh festival, which has been held in Iran for thousands of years and represents the civilization and culture of Iranians, occurred that are very regrettable and worthy of reflection.' He also noted: 'A festival that has been held annually based on laws and free from political discussions due to the law-abiding nature of Zoroastrians was attacked this year by some prominent figures who should themselves be enforcers and promoters of the law. These individuals beat the drum of religious and sectarian discord to such an extent that it exceeded the patience and tolerance that was practiced, and it seems that they do not consider an end to it.' The letter published by ISNA does not mention these 'attacks.' The Sadeh festival was held on the evening of Sunday, January 29, in various regions of Iran. However, in Yazd province, unlike previous years, permission was not granted to hold the ceremony in 'Cham village,' and non-Zoroastrians were prevented from attending the ceremony in Rahatabad, Tafresh County. Ekhtiari also wrote in his letter: 'What happened this year astonished everyone as to how the resolutions of the Supreme National Security Council, which are binding for all, are being disregarded by some officials. These individuals have gone beyond mere harsh words, attacking law-abiding Zoroastrians with insults and slander from official podiums.' He added: 'Of course, Iranian Zoroastrians, who have sacrificed their lives for the progress and dignity of Iran, are not like reeds that tremble with such winds, but the expression of such bitter and false statements reminds one of groups that today slaughter innocent people in neighboring countries in the name of religion.' Ekhtiari has asked the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council to 'prevent such unethical and illegal actions and behaviors.' This comes as two days before the Sadeh festival, the Friday prayer leader of Tafresh, Yazd, protested the holding of the Sadeh festival. Hojjatoleslam Ghafouri, the Friday prayer leader of Tafresh, stated on January 27 during Friday prayers: 'Sometimes, cultural heritage is used as a pretext for attracting tourists and expanding tourism, which is exploited by global arrogance and Zionism, and it becomes a rallying point for the counter-revolution, and we ask officials to make decisions with greater insight.' According to Mehr News Agency, during this ceremony, Zoroastrians gather to express gratitude for God's blessings and engage in joyful and diverse programs, with the burning of a large amount of firewood being one of the traditions of this ceremony. According to IRNA, about six thousand Zoroastrian citizens reside in the counties of Yazd, Ardakan, and Tafresh.