On December 21, the Iran Cultural Center in Dhaka organized a delightful event to celebrate Shab-e Yalda, the longest night of the year. The event was attended by His Excellency Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Bangladesh, other embassy officials, Seyed Reza Mirmohammadi, Cultural Counsellor of the Iran Cultural Center, Hujjatul Islam wal Muslimeen Shahabuddin Mashayekhi, Bangladesh representative of Al-Mustafa International University, Dr. K. M. Saiful Islam Khan, Senior Professor of the Department of Persian Language and Literature at the University of Dhaka, Dr. Mumit Al Rashid, Head of the Department, and distinguished Iranian residents living in Bangladesh.

Shab-e Yalda is an ancient and traditional Iranian festival with a history of several thousand years. It is celebrated every year on December 21, the longest night of the year, marking the winter solstice. From the following day, nights gradually become shorter, so Shab-e Yalda symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.

On this special night, Iranians gather with family and relatives, staying awake to share stories, laughter, and joy, strengthening family bonds. Elders recount life stories, advice, and cultural heritage, helping the younger generation preserve tradition.

A key feature of Shab-e Yalda is traditional food. Special items such as pomegranate, watermelon, dried fruits, and nuts are consumed. The pomegranate symbolizes love, life, and fertility, while watermelon represents health and long life. It is believed that eating these fruits helps people stay healthy during the winter.

Another important aspect of the festival is literary practice. Many families read poems by the famous Iranian poet Hafez (Diwan of Hafez), seeking hopeful messages for life. This transforms Shab-e Yalda into not only a celebration but also an occasion for reflection, knowledge, and inspiration.

Shab-e Yalda is celebrated not only in Iran but also in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and other regions influenced by Persian culture. The festival teaches that no matter how long the darkness, light will ultimately prevail. It is thus a unique symbol of hope, unity, love, and cultural heritage.

In Iranian culture, Shab-e Yalda is more than just the longest night—it embodies the hope for light after darkness. Families sit together reading poetry from the Diwan of Hafez, believing that no matter how great the hardship, sorrow, or darkness, light will eventually come.