Shab e-Yalda Festival held at Institute of Philology and Intercultural Communication
Shab-e Yalda, which takes place during the winter solstice, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness: the longest and darkest evening of the year, after which daylight begins to increase. Traditionally, on this night families gather together, read poems by the Persian and Tajik poet Hafez of Shiraz, and treat one another to watermelon, pomegranates, and nuts.
Among the participants were the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Kazan Dawood Mirzakhani; the President of the International Humanities Academy Europe鈥揂sia and Rector of the Institute of Culture of Peace (UNESCO) Engel Tagirov; an aide to the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan Marat Gatin; Vice-Rector for International Affairs Timirkhan Alishev; and others.
鈥淲e are proud to be one of the most internationalized and multinational educational institutions in the Russian Federation. Today, representatives of more than 110 countries study here. Among them are a significant number of students from Central Asia and China, as well as a large number of young people from Iran. At present, more than 900 Iranian students are enrolled at the university in various educational programs. Celebrating the national holidays of a partner country is a sign of respect for those with whom we are implementing strategic cooperation and with whom we actively interact in education and science,鈥� Dr Alishev emphasized.
As part of the celebration, Consul General Mirzakhani received an international award – the Rose of the World medal.
鈥淚t is important to note that Shab-e Yalda is not just a holiday, but a living history that spans more than three thousand years. It is one of Iran鈥檚 most ancient celebrations. On this evening, all Iranians unite to welcome the moment when light awakens in the darkness. The main value of the holiday is the opportunity to gather with family and loved ones to mark this important event together. The evening is filled with special symbols, among which pomegranates and watermelons hold a central place. The rich red color of these fruits embodies the joy of life,鈥� he said.
After the official part, guests immersed themselves in a world of music and dance. An instrumental ensemble performed a traditional Iranian melody. The next performance was a Russian folk dance by students of the Altyn choreographic school-studio.
鈥淚t is very important for us to celebrate this day outside our country as well. Any international student in Russia is far from their family, and such meetings create a family-like atmosphere. We read Hafez鈥檚 poetry: we open the collection at random and recite the poem we land on. The lines we read seem to hint at what may happen in the future鈥攚hat opportunity or happiness to expect. Even if it is not an exact prophecy, the tradition is perceived as a sign and gives the evening special meaning,鈥� emphasized Ahmadreza Tadjiki, a second-year student at the Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology.