Ancient Traditions Unite Hawraman at the Wedding of Pir Shalyar

Besaran Tofiq

Scene from the Pir Shalyar Festival in Hawramani Takht.

Every year, on the first Wednesday of February, coinciding with the midpoint of the forty-day winter period, the “Wedding of Pir Shalyar” festival is held in the city of Hawraman Takht in eastern Kurdistan in Iran. The event draws large crowds of local residents and attracts visitors and tourists from around the world.

This annual gathering of Hawraman’s tribes and communities takes place at the home of Pir Shalyar, where social and religious rituals are performed alongside the election of a local council responsible for managing the region’s affairs. The ceremonies begin at dawn on Wednesday, as village children go from house to house between 5:00 and 7:00 a.m., collecting sweets and nuts while chanting “Klawrochneh,” creating a distinctive festive atmosphere.

At 10:00 a.m., the sacrificial offering ceremony begins. Families present sheep and cattle as offerings, which are slaughtered at the home of Pir Shalyar. This tradition symbolises sacrifice and is believed to ensure the smooth conduct of the local council elections. Members of the previous year’s council oversee the cutting and distribution of the meat, with part used for communal cooking in large pots and the remainder distributed to residents’ homes.

In the afternoon, people of all ages take part in a spiritual dance (Sufi dabke) in front of the home of Pir Shalyar, a traditional scene that draws the attention of visitors and tourists alike. The celebrations continue until just before sunset.

The ceremonies conclude on Thursday evening, when representatives of the Hawraman tribes gather at the Pir’s home for dinner. This is followed by remembrance gatherings and chanting, prior to the local council elections, which result in the selection of four individuals to manage the affairs of the region for the coming year.



PUKMEDIA