Celebration of Yalda Night at the Cultural Center of Iran, Peshawar

The thousands-of-years-old Iranian and Asian festival of Yalda Night teaches us lessons of love, peace, harmony, and brotherhood in the region. By keeping this historic and cultural festival alive, the Iranian nation has provided a unique opportunity to unite the entire region. These views were expressed by participants of the vibrant Yalda Night celebration held at the Cultural Center of Iran in Peshawar while speaking to the media.
It is noteworthy that the Yalda Night celebration is observed annually with grandeur under the patronage of the Islamic Republic of Iran, not only in Iran but also by Iranians living in different parts of the world. This year, the celebration was also organized at the Cultural Center of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Peshawar.
The event saw the participation of several notable figures, including the Deputy Consul General of Iran, Hassan Moazzami; the Director General of the Cultural Center, Dr. Hossein Chaghami; the President of the Peshawar Press Club, Arshad Aziz Malik; the Chairman of the Persian Department at Peshawar University, Yousuf Hussain Khushi; the President of the Khyber Union of Journalists, Kashifuddin; senior journalist Shamim Shahid; renowned Peshawar poet and eulogist Hamid Ali Qizilbash; and other literary personalities. Iranian residents of Peshawar, Persian language teachers, professors, and students also attended in large numbers.
The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and eulogies, which spiritually uplifted the audience. This was followed by a captivating recitation of poems by Hafez Shirazi, which added a unique charm to the occasion.
As part of the Yalda Night tradition, attendees sought divination from the famous verses of Hafez, creating a lively and pleasant atmosphere.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Hossein Chaghami, Director General of the Cultural Center of Iran in Peshawar, highlighted the significance of Yalda Night, stating:
“Yalda Night is a tradition of Iranian civilization dating back 2,500 to 3,000 years. On this night, elders of families share stories and experiences with children. One of the unique features of this night is its emphasis on fostering Islamic cultural values of compassion and unity. Families visit each other, read the poetry of Hafez, and enjoy its beauty together.”