Raw food festival on the 15th of Tir, a day for eating fresh fruits and vegetables without cooking. This festival originated in Sogdia (Central Asia) and was documented by al-Biruni.
Origin
Sogdian festival; documented in al-Biruni's Al-Athar al-Baqiyah
Historical Context
Khamkhari is an ancient festival from Sogdia in Central Asia, documented by al-Biruni in 'Al-Athar al-Baqiyah.' On this day, people abstained from meat and cooked foods, eating only raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. This ritual expressed gratitude for nature's bounty in summer.
Traditions
Eating Fresh Fruits: Grapes, melon, watermelon, and seasonal fruits
Abstaining from Meat and Cooked Food: Only raw foods
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, seeds
Fun Facts
Biruni also recorded this festival under names like "Aams," "Ghafas," and "Khwareh." In the Sogdian calendar, it fell on the 15th of the month "Basakanj." Khamkhari was celebrated at the peak of summer fruit season.
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