Sema
Elias al-Khatari
The Jama Feast, also known as “Jama’iyyah” (The Communal Feast), is one of the official and most significant Ezidi religious festivals. It is considered the longest of the Ezidi feasts, with ceremonies held over seven days at the sacred Lalish Temple.
During this time, Ezidis from all over the world travel to Lalish to take part in this beautiful, vibrant, and spiritually rich week.
Lalish Temple is nestled among three mountains: Mount Hazrat, Mount Misht, and Mount Arafat. It is here that most Ezidi religious festivals and rituals are held, including Sersal (New Year), the Jama Feast, the Summer Forty Days Fast, and the Winter Forty Days Fast.
Let us take a closer look at the Jama Feast:
Each year, the feast begins between October 6th or 7th, and lasts until October 13th or 14th at the latest. It is attended by the Yazidi Prince (Mir), Baba Sheikh, members of the Ezidi Spiritual Council, religious figures, temple caretakers, and thousands of pilgrims from within Iraq and abroad.
Not only do Ezidis participate, but many non-Ezidi visitors — including politicians, cultural figures, religious leaders, and media representatives — also join in solidarity and celebration with their Ezidi brothers and sisters.
The Jama Feast ceremonies are considered sacred religious rituals. Among the most important are:
- Lighting the sacred oil lamps (Jra)
- The Sema Ritual, a spiritual religious dance known as the Sema Dance, performed daily during the feast to the sounds of the sacred daf (frame drum) and shebab (flute).
These musical instruments hold special religious significance in Ezidism and are played by the Qewwals (Ezidi sacred musicians) who accompany the rituals with holy chants and hymns.
Additionally, during the feast:
- “Samat”, a special traditional food, is prepared and shared daily.
- Other rituals include:
- Berê Şebekê (the night vigil ceremony)
- The Qibaq Ritual
- The Qentar Ritual
- Sûwar Kirina Berêya (Blessing of the Sacred Symbols)
Pilgrims also visit the sacred spring (Zamzam), religious relics, and shrines of saints, seeking blessings and offering prayers.
Throughout the celebration, participants exchange greetings and congratulations in honor of this joyful occasion.
The Jama Feast ceremonies conclude at the end of the seventh day, marking the end of a deeply spiritual and communal week at Lalish.