Kafbikh

Kafbikh (Persian: کفبیخ) is a type of traditional Iranian sweet made in Khorasan, specially in the cities of Gonabad and Birjand.

[1] During this ceremony, the mucilaginous root of the plant Chubak, or Bikh (Acanthophyllum), is soaked in water and after several boilings, is placed in a large earthenware pot called a Tegar.

Like the nougat-like Persian sweetmeat called Gaz (made traditionally in Isfahan) the prepared Kaf is sweetened by the addition of fruit juice, sugar or honey, and then decorated.

Before the Kaf is sweetened youths are allowed to entertain the assembled company by throwing pieces of it at each other in a mock battle resembling a snowball fight, in which they rub the frothy confection on their opponents’ hair and faces.

[2][3] Another custom performed in certain parts of Iran, particularly in Khorasan, on the night of Yalda (Chelleh) involves young engaged couples.

Traditional Yalda sweet in Zibad , Razavi Khorasan province
Yalda Festival in Iran
Yalda Festival in Iran
Acanthophyllum squarrosum
Yalda Festival in Iran featuring Kafbikh