December 21, 2025

Last night, the Saba Group family came together to transform the longest night of the year into our brightest celebration yet. Shab-e Chellah (Yalda Night) is more than just a date on the calendar for the Hazara community; it is a profound symbol of resilience, a night where we gather to welcome the sun’s rebirth and the triumph of light over the winter darkness.

The atmosphere was filled with the deep, melodic sounds of our heritage. We were honored to have elders and youth sitting side-by-side, bridging generations through the ancient art of storytelling and the recitation of Hazaragi poetry. These stories are the threads that keep our history alive, reminding us of where we come from as we build our future together here in Australia.

A Feast for the Senses Our traditional “Sofreh” was a vibrant display of culture and hospitality. The table was adorned with the symbolic red of pomegranates and watermelons—representing the crimson glow of the dawn—and a variety of nuts and dried fruits (Ajeel) that signify prosperity for the months ahead. Sharing these meals is a sacred part of the night, fueling the laughter and conversations that lasted well into the early morning hours.

More Than a Tradition For Saba Group, hosting Shab-e Chellah is a core part of our mission. It provides a sanctuary for our community to reconnect with their roots and for our youth to see the beauty and strength of their identity. By keeping these traditions vibrant, we ensure that the “light” of our culture never fades, regardless of the distance from our ancestral lands.

To every volunteer who helped set the tables, every elder who shared a poem, and every family who brought their warmth to the hall—thank you. You made the longest night feel all too short.