Shab-e-Yalda (Yalda Night) also known as Shab-e Chelleh or Shab-e Dijur, is one of the most ancient festivals annually celebrated in Afghanistan for a long time. This year, it was also celebrated by the people of Afghanistan.
According to the ECO Cultural Institute, the people of Afghanistan have long been gathering on Yalda Night holding ceremonies in different ways: poets and writers gather in literary circles to present their latest works and people organize parties in which a variety of fresh and dried fruits and nuts are served.
Many people put pomegranates and watermelons on Yalda Night table because it is considered a symbol of light. In recent years, concerts have been organized as part of the ceremony along with Shahnameh reading, which is a common part of the festival.
The day after Yalda Night, the ceremony of the day of return is held in some areas, where people believe it as rebirth of the day and return to its previous state as it begins to be longer.
In general, Yalda Night is celebrated in different parts of Afghanistan where people stay up all night as a symbol of triumph of light over dark.