At a Glance

• The PUK President extended warm wishes for continuous happiness to Yazidi brothers and sisters on the occasion of Jamayi .
• Talabani reaffirmed that the PUK stands firmly in protecting Yazidi rights and fulfilling their legitimate demands.

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), congratulated the Yazidi community on the Jamayi celebration, reaffirming support for their rights and national coexistence.

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Key Statements and Focus Area

• “On the occasion of the Jamayi (Feast of the Assembly), we extend our warmest congratulations to our Yazidi brothers and sisters, wishing them continuous joy and happiness,” the PUK President stated.
• Talabani stressed that the PUK remains committed to protecting Yazidi rights and fulfilling their legitimate demands.

Marking the Jamayi (Feast of the Assembly) in a message on Tuesday, Bafel Jalal Talabani said the PUK “stands, as always, in support of protecting the rights and fulfilling the legitimate demands of the Yazidis.”

Talabani emphasized that “we will exert every effort to strengthen the spirit of coexistence and harmony in our homeland.”

FYI

The Jamayi Festival, also known as the Feast of the Assembly, is the largest annual pilgrimage in the Yazidi calendar. 

Held over a seven-day period each October at the sacred Lalish Temple in Duhok, the event serves to unify the global Yazidi community through communal prayer and a renewal of faith. 

Throughout the week, white-robed worshippers gather alongside spiritual and tribal leaders to participate in deep-rooted religious rituals. 

Each evening, a ceremonial procession is held to light 365 oil lamps across the holy valley, symbolizing spiritual purity and eternity. The festival also features the traditional Sema dance, accompanied by sacred flutes and drums, alongside a symbolic bull sacrifice where blessed food is distributed to all pilgrims. 

In a move for minority rights, the Iraqi government has codified this week as an official national holiday for all Yazidi public sector employees. 

Consequently, top KRG and federal politicians utilize their official holiday addresses to champion minority coexistence while urging actions to safely return displaced Yazidis to their ancestral homes.