TEHRAN – On Friday, the city of Sanandaj, located in the western province of Kordestan, played host to the largest street festival held in celebration of Islamic Unity Week.

The festival, titled "The Ummah of Ahmad" (Nation of Ahmad), boasted an impressive lineup of well-known national artists, making it a standout event in its category.

The festival showcased captivating performances by renowned artists and singers, including Alireza Eftekhari, Payam Azizi, Ehsan Yasini, Seyyed Javad Hashemi, Hamed Soltani, Kazem Norbakhsh, and Farid Rahimi. 

Attendees were treated to a rich variety of musical genres, mesmerizing daf playing, and enchanting folk music performances. 

The festival also featured several cultural and service booths, providing an immersive experience for all. 

Additionally, a special treat awaited festival-goers with a free screening of Majid Majidi's acclaimed film "Muhammad, the Messenger of God" at Sanandaj's Bahman Cinema.

Iran’s Kordestan stands as a shining example of peaceful coexistence between Shias and Sunnis. This harmonious blend of communities is evident in the intermingling of families, showcasing the enduring spirit of unity and tolerance that has prevailed for years.

The Islamic Unity Week refers to a ceremony held every year both by Sunnis and Shia. Shia tradition holds that the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was born on the seventeenth day of the lunar month of Rabi' al-Awwal. On the other hand, according to Sunni tradition, he was born on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal. The event is held between two dates of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Marked first time in Iran in the mid-1980s and based on the decree of the late Imam Khomeini, the Muslims around the world observe Islamic Unity Week between these dates.

SAB/