Christmas and its Ancient Persian Tradition

Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center 938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA, United States

A Lecture by Scholar and Ethnologist, Farima Berenji We have always known of Christmas on December 25th, with a traditional decorated tree, candles, and gifts. Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ yet its rituals and traditions far precede that time. Unquestionably, our ancestors adopted the rituals from an ancient Iranian pagan religion known as Mithraism, […]

Free
Livestream

Yalda: A Festival of Light

Online

Join us for an evening celebrating Yalda (winter solstice), the longest night of the year. Shab-e Yalda (Yalda Night) is the Persian Winter Solstice Celebration on the eve of the Winter Solstice. The Persians believed that this night is the night of the birth of Ahura Mazda and Mithra, Persian God of Light and Truth. […]

$10 – $15

Sepandārmazgān: The Day of Love

Online

Sepandārmazgān was a day when women rested and men had to bring them gifts.Learn of the history and origins of Sepandārmazgān, the Persian festival of love, in this enchanting one hour lecture by Persian Scholar Farima Berenji. Sepandārmazgān is dedicated to Spenta Armaiti also known as “Diana” the Persian Goddess of love, beauty, and desire. […]

$10

Livestream

Ancient Wisdoms: Mithraism, Zoroastrianism, and our Cultural Roots

Online

Mithrasim, Zoroastrianism, and our cultural roots The roots of mystical thinking were found in ancient Iran. The philosophy of Iranian mysticism by nature fosters adoption of other cultures. It is not based on a single source but is based on many, and that philosophy traveled to emerge among many civilizations.      Many of today's […]

Free
Livestream

Naw-Ruz Festival

Cultural Integration Fellowship 2650 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

Cultural Integration Fellowship Spring Celebration of the Naw-Ruz Festival, The Baha'i New Year Please join us for a presentation hosted by Nushin Mavaddat and Baha'i friends celebrating the Spring renewal in the worlds of nature, ideas, and spirit. Farima Berenji is one of the guest presenters in this online celebration. Dr. Elena's talk, The Spiritual […]

Free

Caravan of Mystics Sufi Retreat
TürkMistikler Kervanı-Sufi İnzivası

Yalıköy Koru Restaurant & Otel İstanbul Çatalca Yalıköy Şahintepe Caddesi,, Çatalca/İstanbul, Kırklareli, Turkey

Music and Sema Workshops, Zikr, Sema Gathering, Sacred Circles, Sohbet [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2hzd3MYBo8&w=800&h=450] With Yarsan Pir (Master) Seyed Salman Hosseini, Sufi Dance Master, Farima Berenji, and musicians and teachers Evren Evin, Evan Phillips, Hatice Gülbahar Hepsev and others... UPDATE: Master Seyed Vessal Hosseini from Iran (vocalist), the amazing Fatih Kocer from Turkey (vocalist and musician), and […]

$375 – $450

Livestream

The Lioness

Online

Legends of the Ancient Iranic Female Warriors and Commanders In ancient Persia, women were considered living goddesses and many had important positions in court of law, ministries, military, state departments, and other official administrative positions. Many ancient Persian cities and states were ruled by women and had their army under full control of female commanders. […]

$15
Livestream

Quest of the Magi

Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center 938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA, United States

A Lecture by Scholar and Ethnologist, Farima Berenji Learn the little known background of the Persian Magi who journeyed toward the sacred star on Christmas in this delightful holiday lecture by Farima Berenji. There are many stories of the Magi. Were the Persian Magi priests, a coven of sorcerers, or a class of highly educated […]

Free
Livestream

Canceled Yalda: Calling in the Light

Online

Join us for an evening gathering sharing stories, poetry, and more for Yalda, the winter solstice. This year we dedicate our evening with prayers and sacred rituals honoring the bravery of the Iranian people who are facing a long period of unrest. Feel free to share stories or poetry during this third annual online Yalda […]

$5 – $15

State of the County 2023

County of Santa Clara Office 70 West Hedding Street, San Jose, CA, United States

The annual State of the County held by the Santa Clara County Supervisors includes 2023 State of the County address by Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg. The event celebrates our community with Dance performances by Mosaic America and the Simorgh Dance Collective Music with the Lincoln High School Orchestra Student Art Gallery Exhibition by […]

Free