In the Mandaean calendar, Dehwa Hanina (Classical Mandaic: ࡃࡉࡄࡁࡀ ࡄࡍࡉࡍࡀ, romanized: Dihba Hnina) or Dehwa Ṭurma (Dihba ḏ-Ṭirma), the Little Feast, is celebrated on the 18th day of Taura, which is the 4th month of the Mandaean calendar that corresponds to the Hebrew month Iyar.[1]
| Dehwa Hanina | |
|---|---|
| Also called | Dihba Hanina, Dihba Hnina, Dehwa Ṭurma, Dihba ḏ-Ṭirma |
| Observed by | Mandaeans |
| Type | Religious |
| Significance | Little Feast celebrating Hibil Ziwa's ascent from the underworld |
Dehwa Hanina commemorates the ascension of Hibil Ziwa from the underworld (World of Darkness) to the World of Light. Mandaean families visit each other and have a special breakfast of rice, yogurt, dates, and sesame seeds.[2] Baptisms are performed, and the dead are commemorated with lofani (ritual meals). Mandaean families also clean their houses, wear new clothes, light candles, burn incense, and pray.[3]: 25
The festival symbolizes three things:[3]: 26
