Yezidis encircle Karajali Temple in ritual for well wishes
MOUNT SHARIA, Kurdistan Region — For good fortune, Yezidis gather at Karajali Temple in the westernmost province of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq every spring.
"Oh, Karajali makes all the Yezidi wishes come true," said one participant of the ethno-religious group.
The highly spiritual and ritualistic event involves thousands of Yezidis climbing and walking around the Karajali Temple in Duhok province.
"We practice this tradition every year at this time. We get tired when climbing but we’re very pleased. We never forget our traditions," explained Shrihan Ismael.
As they come down the mountain, special chants ring through billows of incense.
"This is a pan [full of charcoal to burn special incense] prepared for welcoming the Ishek [Krajali participants]. Our forefathers used to do this. We go towards the Ishek and they go backward until we reach the village," Hizno Resho said.
With spirits high and spring blossoming, the festival concludes with dancing.
Reporting by Ayub Nasri