Ceremonials in honour of Mehrgan holiday at Samanid’s and Gaznevid’s court
The article analyzes the specificity of celebration of Mehrgan holiday at Somonids’ and Gaznevids’ courtyard, based on the study of medieval sources, in particular Biruni, Bejhaki and Gardezi. The article gives information of ancient myths and beliefs of Mehrgan origin. As well, brief information on the order of meeting of Mehrgan at ancient times and at Sasanids court is given in the article. The article particularly studies the transformation of Mehrgan holiday celebration. It is mentioned that the celebration of Mehrgan was transformed first under religious influence in IX-XI centuries. If at Sasanids’ court Mehrgan was celebrated as a religious holiday in IX-XI centuries it was celebrated as a secular holiday at Somonids’ and Gasnavids’ courts though the holiday kept its formal value.