Persian calendar
Saturday, 9 Aban 1405
Saturday, October 31, 2026
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Age in the Persian calendar
Coming up
- Martyrdom of FatimahPublic holiday in Iran
- Shab-e YaldaPersian festival
- Birth of Imam Ali (Father’s Day)Public holiday in Iran
- Mab'ath, the Prophet’s first revelationPublic holiday in Iran
- Birth of the Twelfth Imam (Nimeh Shaban)Public holiday in Iran
- Sadeh, the midwinter fire festivalPersian festival
- Anniversary of the 1979 revolutionPublic holiday in Iran
- Martyrdom of Imam AliPublic holiday in Iran
- Eid al-FitrPublic holiday in Iran
- Eid al-Fitr holidayPublic holiday in Iran
The Persian months
| Month | Days | Starts in 1405 | Named after |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farvardin فروردین | 31 | 1 Farvardin 1405 | the fravashis, guardian spirits |
| Ordibehesht اردیبهشت | 31 | 1 Ordibehesht 1405 | Asha Vahishta, best truth |
| Khordad خرداد | 31 | 1 Khordad 1405 | Haurvatat, wholeness |
| Tir تیر | 31 | 1 Tir 1405 | Tishtrya, the rain star Sirius |
| Mordad مرداد | 31 | 1 Mordad 1405 | Ameretat, immortality |
| Shahrivar شهریور | 31 | 1 Shahrivar 1405 | Khshathra Vairya, good dominion |
| Mehr مهر | 30 | 1 Mehr 1405 | Mithra, covenant and friendship |
| Aban آبان | 30 | 1 Aban 1405 | the waters |
| Azar آذر | 30 | 1 Azar 1405 | fire |
| Dey دی | 30 | 1 Dey 1405 | the Creator |
| Bahman بهمن | 30 | 1 Bahman 1405 | Vohu Manah, good mind |
| Esfand اسفند | 29 | 1 Esfand 1405 | Spenta Armaiti, holy devotion and the earth |
How the Persian calendar works
The Persian, or Solar Hijri, calendar is Iran’s official calendar and is widely used in Afghanistan. Its year follows the Earth around the sun and begins at the exact moment of the March equinox, Sal Tahvil, so Nowruz always falls on the first day of spring.
Years are counted from the Prophet Muhammad’s migration to Medina in 622 CE. Leap years come from astronomical observation rather than a fixed rule, which makes it one of the most accurate calendars in use. Iran’s religious holidays follow the Islamic lunar calendar instead, so they arrive about 11 days earlier each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is today’s date in the Persian calendar?
In Tehran today is 9 Aban 1405, which is Saturday, October 31, 2026.
When does the Persian year start?
At the moment of the March equinox, Sal Tahvil. If the equinox falls before noon Tehran time, that day is 1 Farvardin; otherwise the next day is.
Why is it 1405 in the Persian calendar?
The Persian calendar counts its years from the Prophet Muhammad’s migration to Medina in 622 CE, but in solar years. The Islamic lunar calendar counts from the same event with years about 11 days shorter, which is why it is already in the 1440s.
How many days are in each Persian month?
The first six months have 31 days, the next five have 30, and Esfand has 29, or 30 in a leap year.
Is the Persian calendar the same as the Afghan calendar?
Very nearly. Afghanistan has long used the same solar Hijri years, but with zodiac month names (Hamal, Sawr, Jawza…) in place of Farvardin, Ordibehesht and Khordad.