Yalda, the longest night of the year, is a time for togetherness. Beyond its deep-rooted cultural significance, Yalda has long been celebrated by Iranians as a night of friendship, love, and affection. By gathering with loved ones, they strengthen their bonds and connections. As the nights grow shorter after Yalda, it symbolizes the promise of spring, a beacon of hope in the darkness. Celebrating this night is a way to combat darkness and embrace the light. Our ancestors would invite friends and family to share the joyous tidings of spring.

In this video, you will witness people from around the world coming together to celebrate this ancient Iranian tradition. With love, they recite poems by Hafez, the renowned Persian poet, demonstrating that Hafez’s poetry and this tradition are universal, as their message is one of peace and friendship.

Hafez readings are a significant part of Yalda night celebrations. His poetry, like a light in the darkness, fills the longest night with hope and joy. Hafez’s words remind us that love and friendship know no bounds. Countless writers and intellectuals from around the world have been inspired by Hafez’s poetry. They all agree that he is an unparalleled poet whose works are filled with life lessons for everyone. Elders have always taught the younger generation how to apply Hafez’s wisdom to their lives. In ancient Iranian belief, reciting Hafez’s poetry on Yalda night is not just a beautiful tradition but also a guide to a better life. His words lead us towards light, love, and happiness.

Yalda night falls close to Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. These two nights share many similarities; both herald a new beginning, a fresh season, and the triumph of light over darkness. Both are occasions for togetherness and joy.

We invite you to watch the Istgah Orchestra’s virtual Christmas performance.

The message of the Istgah Orchestra’s guests on the occasion of Yalda and their recitation of Hafez’s poetry is one of peace and friendship to all our compatriots. The meaning of this beautiful poem is a collection of moral lessons: friendship, goodwill, the loyalty of lovers, and trust in the one and only God. Once again, in line with Istgah’s mission to convey a message of peace and friendship worldwide through Iranian culture and art, we congratulate you on this precious tradition.

To celebrate Yalda, the Istgah Orchestra performed “porsoon porsoon” a joyous and beautiful piece of Iranian music that has been sung by Iranians for years on various occasions.

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