Revolt of Khordad 15 in Iran
Revolt of Khordad 15 is an Iranian public holiday observed on the 15th day of Khordad in the Solar Hijri calendar. It commemorates the 1963 uprising that followed the arrest of cleric Ruhollah Khomeini and is remembered in Iran as a day of mourning and political significance.[1][2][3]
An official holiday on Iran’s calendar
15 Khordad is an official public holiday in Iran. Check with individual businesses and services about their hours.[1]
The date is fixed in the Iranian calendar, while its corresponding Gregorian date varies.
The events behind the day
On 15 Khordad 1342 in the Iranian calendar, corresponding to 5 June 1963, an uprising followed Khomeini’s arrest. Encyclopaedia Iranica describes a major uprising involving his followers and other political opponents, including members of the National Front; the Shah’s government suppressed it.[2]
The land reform programme and women’s suffrage, as well as Khomeini’s arrest, were among the issues protesters opposed.[2]
Meaning and remembrance in Iran
The date has a particular place in the official religious and political memory of the Islamic Republic. In a message marking its anniversary, Khomeini described 15 Khordad as the beginning of the clergy’s Islamic movement and declared it a day of public mourning.[3]
Commemorations include mourning and services remembering those killed in the uprising. An Iranian seminary reports holding an annual gathering to honour the uprising’s dead.[3][4]
Planning around the holiday
15 Khordad is an official public holiday. Check with a particular shop, bank, school, museum or public transport service before travelling.[1]
The holiday should not be confused with a general festival featuring a verified national menu or shared food custom: the cited sources describe public mourning and remembrance, and do not document a customary dish for the day.[3][4]
Frequently asked questions
Is Revolt of Khordad 15 an official public holiday in Iran?
Yes. Iran’s law listing official national holidays includes 15 Khordad.[1]
When is the holiday observed?
It is observed on the 15th day of Khordad in the Iranian calendar. Its Gregorian date changes from year to year.[1]
What is commemorated on this day?
What is open on the holiday?
Check opening hours with government offices and banks before you go.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Revolt of Khordad 15 in Iran:
- لایحه قانونی تعیین تعطیلات رسمی کشور- Nezamat; the document is attributed to the Islamic Revolutionary Council
- CONFEDERATION OF IRANIAN STUDENTS, NATIONAL UNION- Encyclopædia Iranica
- Message [How the 15 th Khordad movement originated]- Imam Khomeini Comprehensive Website
- برگزاری مراسم سالگرد رحلت حضرت امام و بزرگداشت شهدای 15 خرداد- Abul A’imma Hazrat Abu Taleb Seminary