TEHRAN -- In the southwestern provinces of Iran, Arab communities have celebrated Garghiyan or Qarqiyan ritual for centuries with children, full of vigor and enthusiasm, leading the festivities with spirited zeal.
This ritual, also present in other countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq, is in honor of the birthday of the second Shia Imam, Imam Hassan Mojtabi (AS). It is held in the holy month of Ramadan.
Garghiyan is a lively and colorful celebration that children in the community normally attend. They put on traditional clothing as they parade through the streets after Maghrib and Isha prayers, reciting some poems and collecting treats from locals.
Once they receive the sweets, they wish good health and prosperity to the owner of the house.
The ceremony is part of the Arab community’s culture in Iran, where locals look forward to this annual event.
For the children, it is a time of festivity and delight as they celebrate Imam Hassan’s birthday with joy and traditional rituals passed down from generation to generation.