From Islamabad to Moscow: Yalda Night, a bridge between cultures

Pars Today – The Yalda Night gathering of Iranians living in various cities across Pakistan and in Moscow was held on the longest night of the year (Yalda Night).

In some Pakistani cities, Yalda Night is regarded as the first night of winter, and people welcome the cold season by holding a traditional celebration known as “Meh Fang.” According to Pars Today, citing IRNA, special Yalda Night ceremonies were held not only at the Iranian Consulate General in Karachi, but also in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Quetta, hosted by the Iranian embassy, consulates general, and Iran’s cultural centers.

The gathering of Iranians living in Karachi was hosted by the Iranian Consulate General. Akbar Eisazadeh, Iran’s Consul General in Karachi, congratulated Iranians on Yalda Night and described such events as an opportunity for togetherness and for expanding friendship and kindness.

Mehdi Mostafavi, Deputy Head of International Affairs at the Office of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, spoke about the philosophy of Yalda Night, saying: “This event marks the beginning of the triumph of light over darkness and illumination over obscurity. Therefore, we should honor everything that belongs to the realm of light and keep away from anything that represents darkness and discord.”

Yalda Night celebration, the voice of Iran in Moscow

The Yalda Night celebration was held on Sunday evening in Moscow, attended by a group of Iranians, Russian citizens, and enthusiasts of Iranian culture. The event was organized by the Embassy of Iran in Russia, in cooperation with the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization and Russia’s Ministry of Culture, at the MosKino Cosmos Hall, adjacent to the VDNKh cultural and exhibition complex.

The Ronak music group performed memorable pieces from various regions of Iran. Fortune-telling from the Divan of Hafez and the traditional Yalda Night spread (sofreh-ye Yalda) were among other highlights of the celebration.