International Student Centre to host Yalda potluck dinner

Iranian students, staff and faculty are hosting a potluck dinner party this evening—Thursday, December 20—in celebration of the festival of Yalda.

Shab-e Yalda is celebrated on the Northern Hemisphere’s longest night of the year, the eve of the winter solstice.

“The ceremony is traced to the primal concept of light and good against darkness and evil in the ancient Iranian religion,” says Esrafil Jedari Sefidgari, a research associate in electrical engineering. “Our tradition is that as people were advised to stay awake most of the night, members of the family or close friends stay together, narrate old stories told by ancestors, play traditional games and eat dried and fresh fruits symbolizing various things.”

All Iranians and everyone who is interested in the Iranian culture are welcome to bring a dish to the dinner, from 7 to 11 p.m. in the International Student Centre, second floor of Laurier Hall.