An Iranian Zoroastrian Woman Stands By A Large Bonfire In Celebration Of Sadeh, Mid-Winter Festival

An Iranian Zoroastrian woman stands by a large bonfire during a celebration for the festival of Sadeh outside Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 29, 2013. Sadeh, a mid-winter festival observed by Iranians from the ancient time, is 50 days before Iranian New Year. People usually celebrate the festival by preparing a large bonfire to honour fire and to defeat the forces of darkness and coldness.

Iranian Zoroastrians look at a large bonfire during a celebration for the festival of Sadeh outside Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 29, 2013.

Iranian Zoroastrian men play traditional music as they stands around a large bonfire during a celebration for the festival of Sadeh outside Tehran, Iran, on Jan. 29, 2013. <Xinhua/Ahmad Halabisaz>