Mal Baluil: first night of the Kurdish winter · Mal Baluil

Culture of origin: Yarsan · Cultural

Holiday sources: Yarsan (Ahl-e Haqq)

In the Kurdish garmsiri (warm-country) calendar the Yarsan follow, winter begins every year on 30 Mehr, and its first night, the evening of 29 Mehr, is a holy night: the Yarsan mark the enthronement of Mostafa Davan and renew their vows with offerings. Because Bahlul (Baluil) is believed to be in the region at this time, the Yarsan of western Iran, especially in Dalahoo, call the night's offering Mal Baluil. The same day opens the chelleh of the Kurdish winter, in which the Marnow fast falls.