Sema
Baba Sheikh has begun preparations for the rituals of the Forty Days of Winter. (Çilê zivistanê) As part of these preparations, Baba Sheikh, accompanied by his religious entourage, paid a visit to the Lalish Temple to participate in the religious ceremonies associated with this occasion.
The Forty Days of Winter are considered the coldest days of the year. According to tradition, those who observe these days are required to also observe forty days during the summer heat each year. This practice must be maintained during the winter season for a period of twenty years, after which the individual is known as a (Çilegir).
The Forty Days of Winter begin on December 12 according to the Eastern calendar and continue until January 20 of the same calendar. According to the Gregorian calendar, this period extends from December 25 to February 2.
The final day of the Forty Days (Çilê zivistanê) is marked as a religious festival. On this occasion, special rituals are held at the Lalish Temple, and the celebration is known as the Festival of the Forty Days of Winter.