Yalda Night marks 60 years of Indo-Iran cultural ties

To commemorate 60 years of signing cultural agreements between India and Iran, a Yalda night showcasing Iranian music and literature, was organised here.
Hosted by the Iran Culture House here, the traditional Persian festival was brought to life by Iranian storytellers performing tales from the 'Shahnameh' in the oral Naqqali tradition.
"Shahnameh", the book composed by legendary Persian poet Ferdowsi, is a collection of pre-Islamic stories, history, myths and poems that have been narrated since centuries.
Considered to be the longest night of the year for Iranians, people hail the return of the sun on Yalda night and celebrate the victory of light over darkness during the festival.

"Being an important tradition in Iran, family members get together and stay awake all night. Dried nuts, watermelon and pomegranate are served, as supplications to God for increasing his bounties on us," said, Dr Ali Dehgai, Head of Iran Cultural House.
The celebration, which was held at India International Centre here, also witnessed musical performances, drama and storytelling by Iranian artistes Ali Nari and Mirza Ali, Mohsen.