Saed News: Birjand, the capital of South Khorasan, is a city with an ancient history and a rich culture. In this article, you will get acquainted with the unique customs and traditions of the people of Birjand during Nowruz, Yalda Night, Muharram, their traditional clothing, local cuisine, and social beliefs...
According to the Customs and Traditions Service of Saed News, have you ever traveled to the historic city of Birjand? Nestled inthe heart of South Khorasan, this ancient city, known for its warm-hearted people and rich culture, is one of the most appealing tourist destinations in eastern Iran. Birjand is not only historically and culturally significant, but it was also among the first cities in Iran to implement a piped water system—even before Tehran.
In this article, we explore the history of Birjand, its Nowruz traditions, Yalda Night rituals, Muharram ceremonies, traditional attire, local cuisine, and the characteristics of its people. Join us for a short journey into the heart of this region’s rich culture.
A City Deeply Rooted in Iran’s History
Birjand, the capital of South Khorasan Province, is one of Iran’s ancient cities, with roots dating back to the Sassanid era. According to historical accounts, Zoroastrians were the city’s original founders. In the writings of Yaqut al-Hamawi, Hamdallah Mustawfi, and the poems of Hakim Nazari, Birjand is referred to by names such as "Gabrabad."
During the Safavid era and following the assassination of Nader Shah Afshar, the Arab Khezimeh family ruled the area, and Birjand became the center of the Qohestan region. In 1923, Birjand became the first city in Iran to be equipped with a piped water system, a notable achievement that predated Tehran. In 2004, after the division of Khorasan Province, Birjand was named the capital of the newly established South Khorasan Province.
Local attire is one of the beautiful expressions of Birjand’s culture. Men traditionally wear felt hats, mandils (white or black scarves), small caps, and simple, practical local garments. Women display the local culture through colorful headscarves, face veils, decorative skirts (shaliteh), and traditional chadors.
Nowruz in Birjand is celebrated with distinct and beautiful rituals that are still practiced today.
One notable tradition is the planting of sabzeh. About a month before Nowruz, people plant barley, wheat, lentils, or mung beans in containers so that by New Year’s Day, their homes are vibrant with greenery. Often, a separate sabzeh is planted for each family member, symbolizing good health in the new year.
This is a social vow tradition. A few days before Nowruz, community elders collect donations to provide essential items for underprivileged families. This act of kindness exemplifies community solidarity on the eve of the new year.
People of Birjand long believed that the Nowruz Eve meal must include rice, even during the most difficult financial times. This belief symbolizes hope, renewal, and prosperity in the coming year.
Samanupazan: A Women's Rain Ritual
The traditional Samanu-making ceremony is another Nowruz ritual. Women soak wheat in rainwater, then dry and grind it. They mix it with other ingredients to prepare fragrant, sweet samanu, which is decorated and distributed in traditional bowls.
Yalda Night in Birjand: A Night of Gathering and Tradition
Korsi and Majma’e
On the longest night of the year, families gather around a coal-heated korsi. A large tray called a majma’e is placed at the center, filled with fruits and local nuts. The evening includes local storytelling (osuneh), poetry readings, Hafez divination, and traditional games like "flower or no flower" (gol ya pooch).
Kaf Zadan Ceremony
One of the unique Yalda customs in Birjand is kaf zadan. The roots of the choubak plant are soaked and boiled, and men beat the liquid with pomegranate sticks until it foams. This foam is mixed with syrup and decorated with nuts.
Yalda Gifts for Brides
In families with newly engaged daughters, the groom’s family sends trays of fruit, new clothes, and sweets to the bride’s house. This gesture symbolizes peace, joy, and love in their future married life.
With the arrival of Muharram, Birjand’s streets and Hosseiniyahs are draped in black. Mourning rituals include chest-beating, chain-beating, religious chanting, torch processions, and passion plays (ta’ziyeh) held in different neighborhoods.
In villages such as Khong, Mahmui, Derakhsh, and Asyaban, ta’ziyeh performances portray the martyrdoms of Hazrat Abbas, Ali Akbar, and Imam Hussein (AS). These passion plays play a vital role in preserving the Ashura culture.
On the night of Ashura, people light candles in seven Hosseiniyahs, walking barefoot from one to the next. This tradition symbolizes loyalty to the Prophet’s family and reverence for the martyrs of Karbala.
Birjandis enjoy simple yet delicious and nourishing foods, including:
Turnip Ash (Ash-e Shalgham)
Milk and Bulgur Stew (Eshkeneh-ye Bolghur Shir)
Bulgur Rice (Bolghur Polow)
Eggplant in Dried Whey Sauce (Ghoorooto Bademjan)
Kashk-e Salari (a rich yogurt-based dish)
These dishes are made from local, traditional, and easily accessible ingredients, deeply connected to the region’s heritage.
The people of Birjand are predominantly Twelver Shi’a Muslims, although some parts of the region are home to Sunni communities. Known for their warmth, hospitality, and dedication to tradition, Birjandis continue to honor their ancient customs during major events.
Birjand is a city of rich history and vibrant culture. Its customs, clothing, cuisine, and unique ceremonies all reflect the deep-rooted heritage of eastern Iran. Visiting Birjand, meeting its people, and experiencing its traditions firsthand is an opportunity not to be missed.
If you haven’t yet visited Birjand, perhaps it’s time to experience this historic and hospitable city and discover the pure culture of South Khorasan up close.
