Saed News: In Bushehr province, on the occasion of the anniversary of the birth of Imam Mahdi (AS), in addition to lighting the streets, decorating alleys, holding celebrations, and more, they distribute *Nimeh Barat*. *Ranginak* is the most delicious Bushehri dessert that is distributed during this ceremony.
According to the Saad News cooking service, on the anniversary of the birth of Imam Mahdi (AS), various ceremonies and celebrations are held by people in different regions, and many areas still preserve their traditions and customs.
In Bushehr province, there are various religious ceremonies, traditions, and celebrations, one of which is the anniversary of the birth of Imam Mahdi (AS). In addition to the illumination of the streets, decoration of alleys, and holding celebrations, they distribute Nimeh Barat (a traditional celebration) as well.
Nimeh Barat is a very old traditional ceremony in Bushehr province, where every year, on the 15th of Sha'ban, the people distribute local sweets in honor of the birth of Imam Mahdi (AS).
The people of Bushehr prepare a local sweet called Ranginak, also known as date halva, and distribute it. Halva Khani or Finger-shaped Halva is another local sweet from Bushehr, which is made and distributed on this day.
On Nimeh Barat, the people of Bushehr also distribute Zolbia and Bamiyeh (traditional sweets), biscuits, cookies, and other sweets, mostly among neighbors.
The distribution of Nimeh Barat in Bushehr starts in the afternoon of the 14th of Sha'ban and continues through the night of Nimeh Sha'ban and on the day of the birth of Imam Mahdi (AS).
When Nimeh Barat is taken to the neighbor’s house, the person who receives the container of Nimeh Barat fills it with what they have prepared for Nimeh Barat after asking for forgiveness for the deceased.
In ancient texts and cultural writings, Nimeh Sha'ban is referred to as "The Night of Barat" because, according to traditions, God grants "freedom from Hell" to His servants on this night.
For example, it is written that anyone who worships and does good deeds on the night of Barat will be saved from Hell, or it is mentioned that on the night of Barat (the 15th of Sha'ban), angels divide the sustenance and accounts of people's lives according to God's command.
In the dictionary, Barat comes from the Arabic word Bara'ah, meaning to be free from debt.
500 grams of dates
White flour
Walnut kernels
Sesame
Coconut powder
Cardamom powder
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
Oil and butter
First, remove the pits from the dates and fill them with walnut kernels. For this recipe, we used Kabab dates, which are one of the best varieties from Bushehr. Select a suitable container to arrange the dates as per your preference.
Once the dates are arranged in the container, move on to the next step. Sift the flour and then let it toast until it turns golden. Make sure the stove's flame is low so that it toasts evenly.
When the flour turns golden, add butter and oil, and stir until it blends and forms a dough-like consistency. At this stage, mix the spices with the flour and let it toast for a while.
Once the mixture is ready and still hot, pour it over the dates, covering them completely.
Finally, garnish with sesame and coconut powder.
Enjoy your traditional Ranginak, a sweet Bushehri treat perfect for the Mid-Sha'ban celebration!
