The program began at 9 PM on Friday, the 30th of Azar 1403 (December 20, 2024), with the screening of video clips related to the Yalda Night. Following this, the program host, Dr. Samadi, a professor of Persian Language and Literature at the University of the Philippines (UP), extended greetings and congratulations on the occasion of Yalda Night. He recited verses from the Divan Ghazliat of Hafez for the attendees and announced the various segments of the program.

 

Then, Mr. Abolghasemi, the Cultural Counselor, recited verses from the Divan of Lisan al-Ghayb, Khwaja Shamsuddin Muhammad Hafez Shirazi. In his remarks, he congratulated everyone on the occasion of Yalda Night, welcomed the attendees, and added that Yalda Night, or Shab-e Chelleh, is one of the oldest Iranian celebrations, preserved from the ancient history and heritage of Iran, much like Nowruz and Chaharshanbeh Suri. This night is the longest of the year, and our ancestors celebrated it annually.

Yalda Night officially begins at sunset on the last day of autumn, the 30th of Azar, and ends at sunrise on the first day of winter, the 1st of Dey. The history of Yalda Night dates back to ancient times. Some archaeologists estimate its origins to be 7,000 years old, but the officially recognized Yalda tradition traces back around 5,000 years before the birth of Christ. Yalda was incorporated into the official calendar of ancient Iranians during the reign of Darius I, a calendar influenced by the systems of the Babylonians and Egyptians.

 

He further explained that in ancient times, the reason for celebrating Yalda was seen as the victory of light over darkness. People celebrated the last day of autumn, the longest night of the year, because from the following day, the days gradually became longer, symbolizing the triumph of brightness over darkness. Some traditions of Yalda Night include gathering around a korsi (a traditional heating table) in the past, storytelling or reciting proverbs, drawing lots with Hafez's Divan, Shahnameh recitation, and setting up a Yalda table. This table typically includes red fruits like pomegranates and watermelons, nuts, sweets, and snacks. The symbolic color of this ancient celebration is red, reflecting its spiritual essence.

The tradition of Shab-e Chelleh was inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage on the 9th of Azar 1401 (November 30, 2022), as a shared cultural heritage between Iran and Afghanistan. However, this celebration is observed in various countries under names such as Shab-e Yalda, Shab-e Chelleh, Chelleh Celebration, or Yalda Celebration. Among the countries that honor this ancient festival are the Islamic Republic of Iran, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Iraqi Kurdistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Turkey, and Iranians residing abroad. We are also honored to host Iranian families at the Cultural Center on this auspicious and ancient night, celebrating Yalda Night in harmony with Iranians around the world.

He concluded his speech by once again expressing his delight at the warm presence of each compatriot at the Cultural Section, wishing for Yalda Night to be a pleasant and memorable occasion.

 

The program host then recited verses from the Divan of Hafez for the attendees and, following the tradition of this auspicious night, performed a Hafez divination with the intention of the gathering.

The screening of video clips from traditional Iranian music groups during the program, the recitation of verses from the Divan of Hafez by some guests, a quiz competition, and the awarding of prizes to the winners by the Ambassador and the Cultural Counselor were among the highlights of this memorable evening.