TEHRAN: Iran’s state media reported that at least 11 people were killed and over 3,500 sustained injuries during celebrations for traditional fire festival ahead of the Persian New Year.
The fire festival, known as Chaharshanbe Suri in Farsi, is celebrated every year on the night of the last Tuesday of the Persian calendar year, which ends on March 20.
“Since February 20, about 26 people have died in incidents related to Chaharchanbe Suri,” including at least 11 on the event day and more than 3,550 injured, emergency services chief Jafar Miadfar told state television.
During the fire festival, participants jump over bonfires to purify themselves and ward off evil spirits while chanting, “I give you my yellow colour” (an indicator of disease) and “I take your red colour” (symbol of life).
The festival is part of Iran’s pre-Islamic heritage
The fire festival is part of Iran’s pre-Islamic heritage and is generally frowned upon by the Shiite clerical establishment.
But the festival is popular with young people, many of whom make their fireworks for the event, a practice that sometimes results in injury or even death.
