Yalda Night, also referred to as Shab-e Chella, is one of the most ancient celebrations among Persian speakers, marking the longest night of the year. This festivity is traditionally observed on the final night of autumn, heralding the arrival of winter.
On this night, families and friends gather to embrace the warmth of companionship, indulging in a variety of fruits, particularly pomegranates and watermelons, while reciting poetry by Hafez, as they welcome the promise of light and the subsequent lengthening of days.
Yalda holds a special place in various cultures and is recognized in countries such as Afghanistan, Iran and Tajikistan as a symbol of unity and hope.
In the lead-up to Yalda Night, several protesting women gathered at a demonstration in Kabul to celebrate this night as an expression of solidarity and resistance against gender apartheid.
Members of the Afghan Women’s Freedom Lantern Movement, during the event held in an enclosed venue, emphasized the significance of this night as a symbol of the triumph of light over darkness. In their declaration, the women’s movement stated, “Yalda signifies being together on the longest night of the year, a night when darkness yields to light.”
This movement has called upon the international community and global organizations to recognize gender apartheid in the country and condemn it as a “crime against humanity.”
The protesting women have also emphasized the necessity of reopening schools and universities, particularly health science institutes for women and girls while demanding an immediate halt to violence and oppression against women and girls. They expressed that Yalda is not merely a celebration for them, but a symbol of resilience and hope for a brighter future, affirming their commitment to continue the struggle for freedom, justice, and their rights.
- منبع خبر : Afghan women news agency
