Yazidis celebrate their traditional New Year at the Lalish Temple in Iraq

Hundreds of worshippers flocked to the Lalish Temple in the Shekhan District of Duhok Province to observe the beginning of the Yazidi New Year on Tuesday.

Yazidis believe that their God’s representative Tawuse Melek, which translates literally as 'Peacock Angel', descended to Earth on a Wednesday, marking the first day of the year in April. On 'Red Wednesday’ or ‘Chwarshama Sur’, followers decorate their homes and garments with red flowers to commemorate the descent of Tawuse Melek, who is believed to have brought fertility and renewal.