Many netizens were struck by the bravery of the revellers, who risked severe punishment for their defiance. The crowd in the video are going against rules that have been in place in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and have been enforced particularly harshly in recent years. Women in the crowd don’t appear to be wearing hijabs, in violation of strict laws mandating women wear ‘proper headwear’ which were tightened in 2024. 

In 2022, Iran’s ‘morality police, known as the Guidance Patrol, allegedly beat Kurdish-Iranian Mahsa Amini to death after they arrested her for ‘improper wearing of a hijab’. After Amini’s death sparked a wave of protests across Iran and the world, the government only tightened its regulation of women’s clothing. Recently, Iranian authorities have shut down the Instagram accounts of female singers after they shared videos of themselves performing without a hijab, according to independent news outlet Iran International.

The performers in the video are also risking punishment. Western music was censored in Iran after the Revolution. In the early days of Ayatollah Khomeini’s rule, anyone caught with music deemed ‘un-Islamic’ risked being fined, lashed or imprisoned. Now, private listening is generally tolerated, but artists performing in public require an official permit and must ensure their audience sticks to gender segregation and the appropriate attire.

Users online fear for the musicians and dancers’ safety. Unconfirmed rumours are circulating online that some have already been arrested. It is only three years since the Mahsa Amini protests, during which Human Rights Watch says security forces killed more than 500 people.

Others feel more hopeful. “Since the Mahsa Jina Amini protests, the regime has struggled to fully reimpose strict hijab rules or curb public displays like this”, says journalist Afshin Ismaeli. He also says recent attacks by Israel are making Iran’s government more wary of public unrest.

The video has been shared across the internet , including by White Stripes lead singer Jack White. Commenters have celebrated the refreshing portrayal of ‘the real Tehran’, which contradicts depictions of Iran from the Global North and the country’s own government. 

“Every year, this event is celebrated on Adi Amavasai day to commemorate the death anniversary of Paradesi Sithar. The highlight of this event is the highest number of childless couples who come here to participate in the ritual. This year, around 1,500 have participated in the event,” said Paramanandham, a local resident.

The ceremony includes women eating “blessed” food placed on the floor, and a symbolic act where temple priests, believed to be temporarily possessed by the goddess Angaarmoti, step over the women’s backs to offer spiritual blessings.

“Trust is the key to success. People who come here with the belief are seeing success. I see this practically every year,” Paramanandham told Viory.

Several couples shared personal stories of their struggles with infertility. “There is a belief that if you visit this temple on Adi Amavasai day and eat rice on the floor, then you will be blessed with a child. So we have come here because we heard about this from others,” said one hopeful couple.

Another added, “This is the first time we are coming here. We believe that we will come here with a child next year. Those who have come here in the past are saying they have been blessed with a child after visiting this temple.”

One couple, married for 13 years without children , shared their emotional journey, saying that, “We struggled a lot in our life. We are so sad, as everyone keeps asking us why we don’t have children. We see recently married couples having a child in a year, but even after 13 years we still don't have a child. So we have come here with the hope.”

Countries like Somalia, Guinea, and Sudan continue to face major challenges in tackling this widespread human rights violation, despite decades of global advocacy and legislative efforts.

The dangers

The practice, which has no health benefits and is mostly performed on young girls, involves the removal of the labia and clitoris. It can result in long-term physical and psychological harm, including severe infections, complications during childbirth, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

UNICEF’s 2024 report estimates that 144 million cases occur in Africa, 80 million in Asia, and 6 million in the Middle East , with an additional 1-2 million in diaspora communities globally.

Somalia leads with a 99% prevalence among women aged 15-49, followed by Guinea (97%) and Sudan (87%). An estimated 4.3 million girls were at risk in 2024, a number projected to reach 68 million by 2030 if current trends persist, UNFPA reports.

Progress

Progress has been made in some countries. Burkina Faso reduced FGM prevalence from 80% to 30% over three decades through strict enforcement and community education, while Ethiopia’s prevalence among youths dropped by 30%, according to UNICEF's Female Genital Mutilation Statistics.

However, in high-prevalence countries, challenges include rapid population growth, conflict, and insufficient funding. Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Sudan, which account for the largest numbers of survivors in conflict zones, face disrupted prevention programs due to political instability. UNICEF estimates that progress must accelerate 27 times faster to meet the 2030 target.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell has described FGM as a harmful practice that "harms girls' bodies, dims their futures, and endangers their lives. ” We need urgent, collective action to protect millions of girls.”, she added.

The End FGM European Network’s 2025 report calls for stronger legal enforcement and survivor-centred services, warning that reluctance to address FGM in non-African countries hinders progress toward equality.

In Saudi Arabia, Eid al-Adha is synonymous with the annual Hajj pilgrimage, where millions gather in Mecca to 'stone the devil'.

Meanwhile, families across countries like Israel , Palestine, and Indonesia began the day with early prayers, followed by the ritual sacrifice of sheep, goats, or cows.

Damascus acknowledged the spirits of the departed loved ones as the gathered at graveyards to offer prayers.

In Iran, families queued at ram houses to follow through with the ritual sacrifice of sheep, goats, or cows.

Despite the destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, worshippers gathered amid the rubble, their faith unshaken. In Pakistan, large crowds attended prayers and shared meals with neighbours.

In Mogadishu, Somalia, people came together for prayers and festive family meals, offering children moments of joy even amid security challenges .