Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani congratulated the Yazidi community on the Jama Festival. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting their rights.
Barzani highlighted the importance of peace and coexistence in Kurdistan. He stated, “Kurdistan will always remain a homeland of peaceful coexistence for everyone.”
The Jama Festival, one of the oldest Yazidi religious celebrations, takes place at Lalish Temple in Duhok province, the holiest site for Yazidis.
The festival attracts more than 200,000 pilgrims from Iraq and abroad. It serves as a sacred tradition and a symbol of resilience.
Barzani praised the Yazidis for maintaining faith and cultural identity despite facing the 2014 ISIS atrocities. He emphasized government support for their recovery.
He called on all parties in the region to uphold security and ensure religious and cultural freedoms for Yazidis.
The festival involves visiting sacred springs, tombs of revered saints, and performing traditional rituals led by Yazidi religious singers.
Pilgrims take part in the Peri Suwarkan ceremony, tying colorful ribbons to shrines to symbolize blessings and protection.
The Qebax ceremony at Mount Arafat includes the sacrificial offering of an ox, reaffirming the sacred covenant of the Yazidi faith.
Barzani’s message reinforces the government’s pledge to safeguard Yazidi communities and strengthen cultural coexistence in the Kurdistan Region.
Throughout the festival, Lalish Temple hosts prayers, music, and traditional dances, highlighting the Yazidi commitment to faith and community unity.
The President concluded with a wish for peace and happiness, encouraging Yazidis to continue celebrating their heritage freely and safely.