Saadi Day, April 21 (1 Ordibehesht in the Iranian calendar)

Saadi Day, observed each year on April 21 (1 Ordibehesht in the Iranian calendar), celebrates the life and works of the great Persian poet Saadi Shirazi, whose ethical wisdom and literary craftsmanship continue to inspire readers worldwide. On this day, Iranians and visitors gather at his tomb in Shiraz and participate in readings, cultural events, and reflections on his enduring message of compassion and unity.

Who Was Saadi Shirazi?

Early Life and Travels

Abu‑Muhammad Muslih al‑Din bin Abdallah Shirazi—known by his pen‑name Saadi—was born in Shiraz around 1210 and died there in 1291 or 1292. He studied theology and literature in Baghdad before embarking on extensive travels through Anatolia, India, Central Asia, and the Levant, experiences that deepened his understanding of humanity and informed his writing.

Major Works: Gulistan and Bustan

Saadi’s two masterworks, the prose‑and‑verse Gulistan (The Rose Garden) and the entirely versified Bustan (The Orchard), blend anecdote, aphorism, and moral reflection. Gulistan, completed in 1256, remains one of the most translated works of Persian literature, while Bustan’s ethical maxims continue to be quoted across cultures.

Establishment of Saadi Day

Historical Origins

The commemoration of Saadi’s death was first formalized in Iran in the mid‑20th century, when cultural institutions sought a national occasion to honor his contributions to Persian letters and moral philosophy.

Date and Calendar

Saadi Day falls on April 21 each year (April 20 in leap years), corresponding to 1 Ordibehesht in the Solar Hijri calendar—the date Saadi cites for finishing the Gulistan in 1256. Official announcements …