Zahedan University of Medical Sciences

Report from: Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, International Affairs Office

Published on: December 21, 2024

On December 20, 2024, a cultural festival took place at the Education Development Center meeting hall of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. The event was attended by faculty members, the Director of the ZAUMS EDC, international students, and national student mentors.

The Yalda celebration took place at the EDC Center of Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, designed to familiarize international students with Iranian culture. This event, attended by international students alongside several student mentors, commenced with an overview of Yalda Night and its underlying philosophy. Subsequently, students engaged in reading fortunes from Hafez and reciting his poetry, assisted by faculty members. The gathering fostered a memorable experience for international students, cultivating a warm and welcoming environment.

On this remarkable evening, a traditional Yalda Table was meticulously prepared, featuring an array of fruits and sweets, enhanced by the practice of Fal e Hafiz to captivate the attendees. The event organizers emphasized the rich historical significance of Yalda Night, highlighting that this cherished tradition remains vibrant in Iran and Central Asian countries. They articulated the importance of congregating in the homes of elders during this longest night to partake in meals, drinks, and stories, which plays a crucial role in strengthening family bonds.

International students at Zahedan University of Medical Sciences enhanced their Persian language proficiency through poetry readings of Hafez's works, guided by their Persian language instructor, Dr. Mollashahi.

Yaldā Night is a time-honored celebration observed in Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Dagestan, coinciding with the winter solstice. This event typically falls on the night of December 20 or 21 (with a possible variation of one day) in the Gregorian calendar, aligning with the transition from the last day of the ninth month (Azar) to the first day of the tenth month (Dey) in the Iranian solar calendar.

As the longest and darkest night of the year, it serves as an occasion for friends and family to come together, sharing food, drinks, and poetry readings, particularly from the works of Hafez and the Shahnameh, often continuing until after midnight. Traditional foods include a variety of fruits and nuts, with pomegranates and watermelons holding special significance. The vibrant red of these fruits symbolizes the rich colors of dawn and the essence of life. The poetry collection Divan-e Hafez, commonly found in Iranian households, is recited during this festival as well as during Nowruz. In December 2022, Shab-e Yalda was officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.

Copyright © 2024 Zahedan University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved. Date updated: 21/12/2024

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