Hawraman celebrates traditional Pir Shalyar winter fest

People from many parts of Kurdistan gather in the Hawraman region of western Iran for the traditional winter ceremony of Pir Shalyar.

Locals believe Pir Shalywar was a sage who in ancient times cured the ailing daughter of a long whom he subsequently married, too.

Legend has it that the wedding of Pir Shalyar and the princess was held in the middle of winter. Hence a festive gathering marks that day with tambourines, drums and religious hymns.

Sufi men and dervishes form long lines, chant the names of Allah and swirl their long hair in as they get into a trance.

Spectators view the spectacle with awe.

Photos by Anadolu Agency

Galleries
Your Rudaw

Kurdistan

Hawraman celebrates traditional Pir Shalyar winter fest
Choman winter fest plows on despite heavy snow
Syriac Patriarch opens Archdiocese residence in Erbil
‘Art for a Free Kurdistan’ on display in Duhok
Winter essentials delivered to refugee families in Erbil’s Qushtapa Camp
Sulaimani has ‘taken the colour of snow’
Erbil welcomed 2019 with fireworks, festivities
Heavy snow blankets Kani Masi
Erbil puts on New Year colors
Sulaimani markets in holiday spirit
Vatican envoy prays with members of Erbil’s Christian community
The people’s church: Amedi’s Mar Odisho

Iraq	Return to Mosul exhibit showcases art in conflict, reconciliation Fallujah refugees give babies, businesses Kurdish names after going home Fallujah: The city of damaged mosques In Anbar’s Ramadi, residents haven’t seen gov’t aid to rebuild