Deed-O-Bazdeed

You may think that in North America it is difficult to observe the age-old tradition of "did-o-bazdid," or to visit one another, immediately following the new year, as a means of strengthening ties, re-establishing relationships, or paying respect to the elderly and the sick. Often, the distance one needs to travel is prohibitive as people no longer live within reach of one city. Mostly, the tradition of did-o-bazdid has transformed itself to phone calls immediately after the hour of the new year, and people compete to be the first to call.

In Montreal, however, with a large Iranian and Baha'i community, one still finds a flavor of how paying visits to another was observed in Iran. Since Mr. and Mrs. Saririan have been through a trying and challenging year with his illness, the community felt that the Saririans get priority to be amongst the first to be visited. In a matter of moments, the Saririan home was filled with many cheerful souls and well-wishers who had come to brighten the day. Below, you may find some pictures of did-o-bazdid a la Montreal!