The international ceremony “Chelleh Mehr”, commemorating Yalda Night, was held on December 18, 2025 (27 Azar 1404) at the International Conference Hall of the ECO Cultural Institute, attended by ambassadors, high-ranking officials, and prominent figures from the fields of science, literature, and arts.
According to the official news portal of the ECO Cultural Institute, the event commenced with a welcoming speech by H.E Ambassador Mohammad Hassan, President of the ECO Cultural Institute, who described Yalda as more than a mere calendrical event. He stated:
“Yalda is a moment endowed with meaning by civilization itself , a night when darkness reaches its farthest limit and inevitably retreats. This ancient ritual reminds us that no darkness is eternal.”
The President of the ECO Cultural Institute also highlighted the deep cultural connections among the countries of the region, emphasizing:
“The peoples of the ECO region live under a shared sky and are united by a common solar memory. Culture, like light, advances quietly yet steadily, reminding us that dialogue is older than conflict and shared meaning deeper than differences.”
Later in the event, a video message from Dr. Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, was broadcast. In his message, he described Yalda as not merely a national tradition but a discourse of solidarity and an exercise in cultural diplomacy.
Dr. Salehi Amiri underscored the importance of strengthening the collective identity among the member states of ECO and the Nowruz region, asserting that Yalda, with its symbols of dialogue, peace, and unity—provides a valuable framework for overcoming political tensions and achieving regional convergence.
The ceremony continued with remarks by Dr. Raed Faridzadeh, President of the Iranian Cinema Organization at the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, who stressed the pivotal role of art in safeguarding cultural and identity roots.
Additionally, Dr. Seyed Abbas Sajadi, Director General of Public Diplomacy at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, presented a warm poetic segment through recitation of Hafez’s poetry and traditional divination, enriching the event with literary charm.
The program also featured captivating narratives by Ardeshir Rostami, shedding light on the significance of Yalda in popular culture.
In recognition of artistic contributions, Mrs. Fatemeh Rahbar and Mrs. Marzieh Sadeqi were honored for designing the Yalda table and the artistic exhibition. Furthermore, the ceremony included the unveiling of the Book “A Thousand Pearls (A Thousand Proverbs from ECO Member States)”.
In his remarks, Mr. Shahmansour Shahmirza, Tajik expert, described the publication as a valuable step toward preserving shared heritage and enhancing solidarity among people of the region.
Hosted and moderated by Dr. Zahra Aslani, the event was accompanied by a performance from the Khonyagaran Music Group and storytelling by Mrs. Baran Nikandish.
The ceremony received extensive media coverage by domestic and international outlets, including Radio Farhang, Sahar TV, PressTV, iFilm, Ketab Channel, and news agencies such as IBNA, Lissna, and Iran Press.