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 ... Read more