Afghans across the country marked Yalda Night, also known as Shab-e Chella, the longest night of the year, celebrating a centuries-old tradition that many regard as a symbol of hope, patience and the belief that light follows darkness.
Families in several provinces gathered late into the night, sharing food and conversation to honour the ancient occasion, even as some households faced limited access to electricity and basic services.
In western Herat province, residents observed Yalda with enthusiasm, laying out traditional spreads and reviving customs passed down through generations.
“Even though we did not have electricity tonight, we celebrated Yalda,” said Farahnaz Mohammadi, a resident of Herat. “We have honoured this night every year. Yalda is one of the most beautiful and memorable nights for us.”
Some families chose to celebrate outside their homes. Elham Baqeri said she went with her family to a well-known restaurant in Herat to eat gosht-e land, a dried meat dish traditionally associated with Yalda in the region.
“Yalda is a beautiful and memorable night,” Baqeri said. “This valuable cultural heritage should be protected and passed on.”
Markets in Herat were also busy, with residents buying traditional Yalda fruits, particularly pomegranates, which sellers said were abundant this year.
“I bought eight kilograms of pomegranates to take home for my children,” said Enayatullah, a shopper. “They are affordable and part of our Yalda tradition.”
Another vendor, Farshid, said strong supply had made the fruit accessible to most families. “People can easily buy pomegranates this year,” he said.
Yalda Night, which coincides with the winter solstice, is widely observed in Afghanistan as a reminder of resilience, patience and the enduring belief that darkness will eventually give way to light.
