Sema
At the beginning of March and April each year, hundreds of Yazidis return to the Kurdistan Region from around the world to take part in religious and social ceremonies.
During these months, Yazidis observe several important occasions, many of which are held at Lalish Temple, the holiest site for Yazidis globally. People from various regions and countries gather to participate in these sacred traditions.
Khafshi Khadida, a Yazidi woman who has lived in the United States for nine years and recently returned to Kurdistan, expressed her joy:
“We are very happy to visit Lalish Temple and take part in the bread and yogurt ceremony. Wearing traditional Yazidi attire was a wonderful experience for us. Kurdistan has also developed significantly and is now recognized worldwide for its security, stability, and coexistence.”
From another perspective, Luqman Suleiman, media officer at Lalish Temple, shared with Sama:
“Every year during this period, hundreds of Yazidis return from Europe, America, Australia, and other parts of the world to celebrate our religious and cultural heritage. Based on our information, this year will see the largest number of returning Yazidis compared to previous years.”
Among the key Yazidi ceremonies held at Lalish Temple are the Winter Forty Festival, New Year’s Festival, Summer Forty Festival, and Jemayi Festival, along with various other traditional gatherings.
Located in the Sheikhan district of Duhok Governorate, Lalish Temple remains the spiritual heart of Yazidism, where Yazidis come to perform religious rites and preserve their cultural heritage.