Celebrating Yalda with Shahmaran: Winter Solstice, Grief, and Liberation in the Iranian Diaspora

In this episode of Halva for the Heart, I turn toward Shab-e Yalda, the ancient Iranian winter solstice holiday, and reflect on what it offers us as people living, grieving, and resisting in diaspora. I explore Yalda as a collective vigil through the longest night of the year, and how it initiates Chelleh-ye Bozorg: the 40 coldest, darkest days that mirror grief cycles, mourning traditions, and the necessity of communal care. Through the mythology of Shahmaran, the Kurdish queen of serpents, I reflect on winter as a sacred time for collapse, inner death work, and transformation personally, collectively, and politically.In this episode, you’ll hear:what Shab-e Yalda and Chelleh-ye Bozorg teach us about grief and survivalhow Yalda functions as a vigil and a form of ancestral death workwhy Shahmaran’s underground cavern mirrors the womb/tomb space of griefhow Iranian mourning traditions align with seasonal cycleswhy rest, collapse, and community care are essential for sustainable liberationhow Yalda invites solidarity, hope, and resistance in dark times🌑 This episode is an invitation to soften into the darkness, gather in community, and trust that the sun—and liberation—will return.Links:📘 Shab-e Yalda Guidebook🐍 The Omi Collective’s Shahmaran Azadi Zine & Talisman❤️‍🩹 Join us in Dard-e Del🗝️ Narinder Bazen's concept of Inner-Facing Death WorkIf you'd like to share what this episode brought up for you...Leave me a 90 second voice noteMessage me on InstagramSend me an emailLearn more about my work at my website www.hafezdeathcare.comSubscribe to my weekly newsletter🎵 Theme song: 'Lullaby' by Iranian oud player Negâr Boubân