Yalda

Yalda festival in Tehran

Every year, Iranians across the country celebrate Yalda on the last night of the autumn, which is an ancient festival. This year, Yalda fell on Friday night (night of Dec. 20), corresponding to the 30th and last day of the Iranian Calander month of Azar.

Photo: Mojtaba Mohammadi

Shopping for Yalda Night in Iran’s Rasht

The Yalda Night is one of the oldest festivals in Iran which is celebrated every year on the winter solstice. Pictures show the people in the northern Iranian city of Rasht shopping for what they need during Yald Night which is the longest night of the year.

Iranian people preparing for Yalda night

Iranian people are seen in a series of photos buying fruits and nuts from the market to prepare for Yalda night in Tehran, Iran December 21, 2022. The last night of autumn, which is the longest night of the year, is known as Yalda or Chelle night in Iran. The long-standing tradition is celebrated across Iran when people hold family get-togethers and stay up late reading poems, talking, and eating nuts and fruits.