Why it matters:
Yalda Night is not only a deeply rooted Iranian tradition but also a shared cultural heritage across several ECO member states, illustrating how ancient customs continue to foster cultural dialogue and regional understanding.
What he's saying:
In an exclusive interview with Iran Press, Mohammad Hassan explained that Yalda—or its equivalent—is celebrated in Pakistan, particularly in the northern regions, as a “festival of light.” He said that people gather on this night to focus on light, sing songs, and celebrate together, viewing it as a symbolic victory of light over darkness. He added that this night marks the point when winter begins to recede and spring (“Bahar”) slowly approaches, a period that lasts until Nowruz.
What they're saying:
The ECO Cultural Institute describes the “Chelleh-ye Mehr” event as an effort to preserve and revive ancient Iranian traditions while showcasing the shared cultural values among ECO member countries through art, music, literature, and ritual symbolism.
Key points:
- Yalda is recognized in parts of Pakistan as a festival symbolizing light’s triumph over darkness.
- The night is associated with communal joy, music, and togetherness.
- ECO views these traditions as common cultural threads among its member states.
Go deeper:
The “Chelleh-ye Mehr” program was held on Thursday, December 18, 2025 (27 Azar 1404), starting at 5:00 p.m. at the ECO Cultural Institute, ahead of Yalda Night. The event featured Hafez poetry recitations, music, and traditional storytelling (naqqali), alongside the unveiling of the book One Thousand Pearls (One Thousand Proverbs from ECO Member States) and an exhibition of artworks, as well as a ceremonial Yalda table. Through such initiatives, the ECO Cultural Institute aims to strengthen cultural ties and highlight the shared civilizational heritage that spans the region.
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