Celebrating Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi at the Embassy of Iran in Beijing
My short trip to Beijing
On a crisp autumn day, the date was set for my short trip to Beijing, China. I was filled with anticipation as I boarded the high-speed train from Tianjin. The train travels at around the speed of 317 km/s. Accompanying me on this adventure was my dear friend Iranian Amid. As the train whisked us away, we chatted excitedly about our plans for the day. However, upon reaching Beijing, we found ourselves parting ways, each with our own tasks to accomplish. Amid had some important work to attend to, and I went to Beijing Institute of Technology. Days turned into nights, and time seemed to fly by in the vibrant streets of Beijing. After one day we met again and Amid’s face lit up with excitement as he shared his plans for the evening. He extended a warm invitation for me to attend the Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi function at the Iranian embassy. My heart swelled with gratitude and a sense of being truly special to Amid. He regaled me with tales of Iranian culture, painting vivid pictures of their traditions, music, and warm hospitality.
At the Embassy
After some roaming around at evening, we made our way to the Iranian embassy. I was amazed by the architecture of iranian embassy a The event was divided into two parts, each promising a unique experience. The first part showcased the rich tapestry of Iranian culture, with displays of Qasida | قصیده, I will explain the Qasida in the latter part. then reciting of the holy QURAN, games with kids etc . The vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and soul-stirring melodies transported us to a world steeped in history and beauty. As the evening progressed, we were ushered into a grand hall for the second part of the event – a sumptuous dinner. The air was filled with the aroma of fragrant spices and delectable Iranian delicacies. There was BBQ chicken with Basmati rice, and iranian traditional salad. We savored every bite, indulging in the flavors that danced on our tongues, while engaging in lively conversations with fellow attendees. Amid’s gesture of inviting me to this celebration of Iranian culture left an indelible mark on my heart. It was a testament to the power of friendship and the beauty of cultural exchange. In that moment, surrounded by the warmth and hospitality of the Iranian embassy, I felt a deep connection to a world far beyond my own.
Qasida
Qasida | قصیده is a form of Iranian traditional music that originated approximately in the 10th century. It’s a kind of vocal music distinguished by poetic lyrics. A small group of musicians playing traditional instruments such the tar, setar, santur, and tombak often accompany a lone vocalist performing qasida.
A qasida’s lyrics are often written in Persian and frequently deal with themes of mysticism, spirituality, and love. The poetry is highly esteemed and frequently composed by well-known Persian poets including Saadi, Hafez, and Rumi. Typically, the words are performed in a melismatic way, which extends a single syllable over multiple notes.