Actors ask fans to celebrate Yalda with no gatherings

Iranian veteran actors Reza Babak and Reza Fayyazi have asked their fans to celebrate the Iranian tradition of Yalda Night without any gatherings as COVID-19 is still around.

“I know that people will observe their own health beside the health of the others and will choose social media to share their celebrations with family and friends as they celebrate this ancient and joyful night,” Reza Babak said, highlighting that holding the celebration at home indicates the Iranian culture.

“We are still mourning the loss of several of our dear friends and artists of the country, including (actors) Parviz Purhosseini and Karim Akbari Mobarakeh and (filmmakers) Khosro Sinai and Kambuzia Partovi, who died of COVID-19,” Babak said.

“Every one of them was a great treasure of Iranian art and culture. We need to take lessons from these bitter incidents, and do our best to observe the health protocols; and staying at home for Yalda Night must be our first priority,” he added.

Actor Reza Fayyazi also emphasized that although getting together on Yalda night can bring happiness, it will lead to a great loss with an unwanted guest like coronavirus.

“The truth is that getting together is very good and pleasing but we must know that this year this getting together might lead to the loss of our dear ones,” he said.

To mark one of the ancient traditions of Iran, people on Yalda Night usually get together in the houses of grandparents and the elderly members of their families, where they are served with a hot dinner, fresh fruits and a mixture of dry fruits, seeds and nuts.

Many people often recite poetry, narrate stories, chant, play musical instruments or just chat cozily until midnight.

Falling on December 20 this year, Yalda Night (Shab-e Yalda) needs the empathy of the Iranian nation in the fight against the coronavirus, as people should stay home, despite their important tradition.

MM/FM