The article below was originally published on Rudaw on February 10th, 2015.
Last week, the people of Sardasht celebrated the Bilendan ceremony as they’ve done for years. Bilendan marks the end of winter and the cold season. People keep firewood through the winter to make a bonfire on this day.
Kurdish-Iranian Celebration
It takes place 45 days before the Kurdish year Newroz. The fire and smoke means Newroz is around the corner. Bilendan pays tribute to the sun that melts the snow.
For some it also means the end of hardship and injustice. Some people take pieces of burning stick and spread the smoke over their house and animals for fertility. The ancient ritual comes from one winter of heavy snows.
It is accompanied by Kurdish dance, music and poetry. Watch the celebrations in the video below:
[Read more at the Kurdish Project]
