The Opening of the 17th Ritual-Traditional Festival at MAHAK

The 17th ritual-traditional festival took place at MAHAK on August 26, 2015 with traditional string-puppet shows, Siah-bazi performances and Azeri folk music for MAHAK children.

This ceremony was held with the attendance of certain well-known artists and theatre managers including Davood Fathali-Beigi, Javad Ensafi, Mohammad Hossein Naser Bakht, Naser Avijeh, Armaghan Behdarvand, kourosh soleimani, ritual-traditional musicians, and children with cancer along with their families. The purpose of this event was to create joyful moments for MAHAK children to turn their normal gathering into great time with their friends and parents.

At the beginning of this ceremony, Arasb Ahmadian, the CEO of MAHAK, in addition to welcoming and thanking everyone for choosing MAHAK for this ceremony, said, “Without a doubt, one of the missions of all kinds of art is paying attention to the society in all aspects. MAHAK, during its 24 years of activity, has been able to attract art and artists in all forms, benefit from public support and hence provide inclusive services to over 23,000 children with cancer thus far. It is with pride that our artists have been always trying to showcase traditional art to the new generations, in order to uplift our deep Iranian roots.  We are thankful to those who planned this festival, were concerned for children with cancer, and chose this location for the opening. Undoubtedly, this unique opening will bring a day full of happiness and smiles for children with cancer.”

During the opening of the 17th Ritual-Traditional Festival, the attendees brilliantly combined art, philanthropy, and respect to Iranian customs and culture in their shows.

The traditional and ritual shows, such as the traditional string-puppet show and Siah-bazi performances, come from Iranian traditions and celebrations. These shows, which are part of Iranian folk art, are not just for entertainment purposes. Instead, the Siah-bazi performances were also a method for showing social implications. These days, Siah-bazi performers help to link culture to the type and concept of the sublime art of caring for other human fellows. In addition, their attendance at MAHAK creates joyful memories for the children with cancer and help MAHAK to conduct the message that: “Cancer Is not the End.”