Fire-Jumping Festival Banned

Iranians planning to celebrate Chaharshanbe Suri, the ancient festival of fire, could face prosecution this year in Kermanshah province.

Crime Prevention Police Chief Taqi Mehri told the Kermanshah Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA) on February 22 that Chaharshanbe Suri gatherings would not be permitted this year.

“Police will deal with anybody obstructing main streets, thus causing inconvenience for others, according to the laws and regulations of the country,” he said. “Last year, through policing measures, we managed to decrease injuries among children and teenagers, who are most at risk at these ceremonies.”

“In addition to forbidding any public gathering, this year we will take measures to stop the sale of dangerous explosive materials, which can pose a danger to young people in particular,” Mehri said.

Traditionally, people build bonfires to celebrate the holiday, which takes place on the last Wednesday of the Iranian calendar year, two days before Nowruz.

As part of the celebrations, people often jump over small bonfires in a ritual that is associated with affirming life and generating good health. However in the past, members of the public have sustained injuries as a result of Chaharshanbe Suri, which has Zoroastrian roots.

There is speculation that the new clampdown is an attempt to quash celebrations that pre-date the Islamic Revolution. 

Read the original article in Persian