Gorgan’s historic fabric hosts Chelleh Event
The Chelleh Event was held on December 18 in the historic urban fabric of Gorgan, the capital city of Golestan Province, aiming to preserve traditional Iranian rituals and introduce the historical and cultural capacities of the region. The event was organized by Rozas Handicrafts House.
The cultural and artistic ceremony was attended by Ali Darabi, Deputy Minister for Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, Fereydoun Fa’ali, Director General of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization of Golestan Province, along with a number of officials, artists, cultural activists, and enthusiasts of intangible cultural heritage, chtn.ir wrote.
During the event, a wide range of cultural and artistic programs was presented, including an introduction to Gorgan’s historic district, performances of Chelleh (Yalda) Night rituals, Shahnameh narration, Hafez poetry recitation, a music caravan, Daf ensemble performances (a traditional Iranian frame drum), the exhibition and sale of handicrafts, and other cultural and artistic activities.
The Chelleh Event was designed and implemented with the objectives of keeping ancient Iranian traditions alive, promoting social vitality, and strengthening intergenerational bonds within the historic fabric of the city of Gorgan.
The event was held concurrently with the 17th International Festival of Ethnic Cultures in Golestan Province and, as one of the festival’s side events, was warmly welcomed by citizens and tourists.
During the ceremony, Darabi described Yalda Night as a symbol of Iranian thought, compassion, and artistic expression, emphasizing that the global registration of this tradition conveys the message of humanism and cultural richness of the Iranian nation to the international community.
He noted that Yalda Night is a night of kindness, forgiveness, and reconciliation, adding that although it is traditionally regarded as the longest and darkest night of the year, it is a time when hearts grow closer and the inner skies of people become brighter and more joyful.
Stressing that Yalda Night is one of the most beautiful, deeply rooted, and enduring traditions of the Iranian people, Darabi stated that this valuable cultural heritage dates back thousands of years and continues to remain alive and dynamic as an integral part of Iranian cultural identity.
He further stated that the most important function and benefit of Yalda Night lies in fostering social cohesion, reconciling hearts, and strengthening human connections — values that society today needs more than ever.
Referring to the hosting of the Chelleh Event in the historic fabric of Gorgan, Darabi said that the venue provided a highly suitable setting for such a cultural gathering and that the culture-loving people of Gorgan showed a warm and commendable reception to the program.
He emphasized that the symbolic holding of such traditional rituals, in addition to honoring ancestral customs and transferring them to younger generations, plays an effective role in creating social vitality and reinforcing solidarity and unity among the people.