The Festival of Pir Shalyar

People in Uraman Takht in the Ouramanat region of Iranian Kurdistan have celebrated the festival of Pir Shalyar for a thousand years. Legend has it that Pir Shalyar, a Zoroastrian sage who lived in the village, cured an ill princess who had been brought from many miles away after her father heard of the man’s spiritual and healing powers. The king then offered the old man his daughter’s hand in marriage, and the wedding took place in Uraman Takht. Each year on the 40th day of winter, villagers mark the occasion and celebrate unity by playing music, preparing a traditional barley soup, and sacrificing a sheep. 

Photos: Islamic Republic News Agency