Background:
Lalish Temple, nestled in the mountains of northern Iraq, is the most sacred site for the Yazidi community. The Yazidis, an ancient religious minority, have faced persecution throughout history, yet they have preserved their rich cultural and religious traditions. One of the most significant events in the Yazidi calendar is the summer festival, a time of joy, reflection, and spiritual renewal. This festival holds deep religious significance and is marked by a series of elaborate ceremonies and rituals that connect the community with their ancient heritage.
On July 31, 2024, the religious ceremonies of the Yazidi summer festival commenced at the revered Lalish Temple.
Luqman Sulaiman, the spokesman for the temple, informed Sema TV that after 40 days of summer, the Yazidis celebrate the final day of the season as a festival and an Eid. Every Yazidi visiting the Lalish Temple is expected to visit sacred sites including Kanya Spi, Deri Qapi, Zamzam, Bere Shabak, Khas, and other religious shrines.
He elaborated that each evening features religious dancing, lighting of lamps, and various ceremonies. Unbaptized individuals are baptized with water from the Kanya Spi spring, while verses and poetry are recited. Traditional Yazidi food, Smat, is prepared to mark the celebration of the summer holidays.
The spokesman also noted that the summer festival, a period during which some Yazidi religious leaders observe fasting, begins on June 24 and continues until August 2, followed by three days of celebration.
During this festival, unbaptized individuals are baptized with the water from the white spring, a mandatory practice in the Yazidi faith.
Lalish Temple hosts several key Yazidi festivals, including the Winter holiday, the Summer holiday, and the Congregation holiday, each steeped in rich traditions and spiritual significance.