Sun 5, February

‘Pirshalyar’ ancient ritual celebrated in western Iran  

Pirshalyar, an ancient ritual named after a legendary figure, was celebrated last week in Uraman Takht rural district, western province of Kordestan. Pirshalyar who possessed spiritual gifts such as healing power is believed to magically heal ‘Shah-Bahar Khatoun’ the beloved daughter of king of Bukhara and married her. Shah-Bahar Khatoun was both hearing and speech impaired and no one seemed to be able to help her in her hometown. Therefore the king, Shah-Bahar Khatoun, and members of the court set for Uraman Takht to visit Pirshalyar whose reputation precedes him in Bukhara. Once they got close to the village where Pirshalyar used to live Shah-Bahar Khatoun suddenly started to hear and as soon as they were within only a short distance away from his house the girl abruptly started to talk. The king who had pledged to marry Shah-Bahar Khatoun to the person who would be able to cure her honored his promise and every year people of Uraman Takht celebrate the wedding anniversary of Pirshalyar and Shah-Bahar Khatoun twice in mid-winter and mid-spring. The celebration which usually starts on Wednesday lasts for three days. People sacrifice livestock on the first day of the festivities in front of Pirshalyar house and distribute it among the citizens. They also make a porridge which dates back to more than 900 years ago and is said to be served at Pirshalyar’s wedding ceremony. Playing daf - a large Persian frame drum - performing spiritual dances, and singing songs about prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and God are of the different parts of this joyous local occasion.Tehran Times / Amir Ali Razzaqi.

A group of villagers play daf while another group dance.   People dance in groups while holding each other’s hands. Children would go from house to house asking for a tasty treat (such as chocolate or nuts) in the morning and afternoon during the three-day celebration.  Singing songs gushed in praise for God and prophet Mohammad (PBUH) while dancing is an inseparable part of the celebration. People are bringing their livestock early morning to Pirshalyar house to sacrifice them. A group of villagers are in charge of preparing the special porridge which is usually served on this occasion. Men dancing together signifies their unity and solidarity. The Pirshalyar traditional ritual is being held twice a year in winter and spring. The festivities and the dancing human chain is a tourist attraction in this area. Uraman Takht is a village in proximity of Marivan, Kordestan province. It is 75 kilometers from Uraman Takht to Marivan. 

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