The ancient Iranian holiday Shabe Yalda — the longest night of the year — will be celebrated in the Alykul Osmonov National Library.
The event is held by the cultural representative office at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kyrgyzstan. It will be attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Iranian diaspora, teachers and students of local universities, as well as fans of Persian culture.
The holiday will take place on December 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission is free.
Shabe Yalda is the last night of autumn in Iran. It is celebrated on December 21. This is one of the most important events in the Iranian calendar and one of the main holidays in the country for the last 5,000 years. Yalda is the longest night of the year, after which the days become longer and the nights become shorter. In ancient times, Iranians considered this a victory of light over darkness. On this night, families gather in the house of their parents or grandfathers, treat themselves to food and read the poems of Hafiz, one of the best Persian poets.
Iranians living in Kyrgyzstan also celebrate Yalda Night. The holiday has become traditional over the past few years.