Nowruz Rituals In Kurdistan

• Prize
  Silver in People/Culture
• Photographer
  Farbod Bavehie
• Technical Info
  Nowruz Festival In Kurdistan – A Celebration Of Color, Joy, And Nature

In the mountainous regions of Kurdistan, people gather each year in traditional and colorful clothing to celebrate Newroz, the Kurdish New Year. This six-image photo series documents moments where cultural heritage, collective identity, and hope for renewal intersect. The images capture key elements of the celebration—fire-lighting, group dances, horseback riding, and torch processions. These are not only rituals, but also acts of social cohesion and cultural continuity. Although the ceremony is annual, its meaning evolves in response to the changing social and political context. Light, moti