TEHRAN-Iran Culture and Art Days in Moscow was held on Thursday and Friday at the Russian capital, on the occasion of Yalda Night, an ancient Persian festival celebrated annually on December 21.

Organized by the cultural office of the Embassy of Iran in Moscow, the event was held at the Library for Foreign Literature (LFL) and attended by a large group of Russian cultural figures, students of Persian language and literature, and those interested in Iranian history and art, IRNA reported n Saturday.

For centuries, Iranians around the world have gathered on winter solstice to celebrate Yalda, meaning birth or rebirth. It marks the end of autumn and the longest night of the year. During Yalda Night, Iranian families gather, have nuts and fruits such as pomegranates and watermelon, recite Hafez’s poetry, and pass the time by talking and laughing all together to mark the occasion.

Yalda’s significance lies in its embodiment of light’s victory over darkness, with the subsequent lengthening of days heralding hope and renewal.

Speaking at the beginning of the ceremony, Pavel Kuzmin, the director of the LFL, expressed his interest in the authentic Iranian culture and civilization and referring to the philosophy of Yalda Night said: “Love, warmth, and light can bring peace to the world”.

For his part, the ambassador of Iran to Russia Kazem Jalali considered the shared moral values ​​of the two civilized countries, Iran and Russia, to be the driving force of cultural relations between Tehran and Moscow.

Referring to the historical philosophy of Yalda Night and the victory of light over darkness, he said: “Today we are witnessing the worst crimes with the most advanced weapons against the oppressed people in the Gaza Strip, but as divine and historical traditions have promised us, hardship will be followed by ease and the light of justice will also win over the darkness of evil.”

During the event, Diana Jalalova, the Russian host of the “One Day in the City” program on the TV channel “My Planet”, who recently had a one-week trip to Tehran and Isfahan, spoke about Yalda Night as well.

Referring to her Iranian roots that go back to the Azarbaijan region, she called Yalda Night a special ceremony with each food served during the night having a special meaning. As an example, she said pomegranates are the symbol of life and vitality at the peak of cold winter.

The musical performance of famous Iranian songs was another part of the ceremony that was welcomed by the audience. The participants also visited the exhibition of Iranian handicrafts at the library. In this exhibition, works of calligraphy, inlay, and enamelware were displayed.

SS/SAB