According to the Book of Esther, Haman, The royal vizier to King Ahasuerus, who is presumed to be Xerxes I of Persia, planned to kill all the Jews in the empire,   but his plans were foiled by Esther, the Queen of Persi, with help from her step father Mordecai, and his cousin.

Purim is celebrated with celebratory food and drink, public readings, exchanging gifts, donating to charity, masks and costumes.

Jerusalem and a few other cities celebrate Purim on the 15th of Adar.

Iranian and Mountain Jews, who consider themselves descendants of Esther, visit the tombs of Esther and Mordechai in Hamadan on Purim.