TEHRAN — A cultural event called Gol Galtan (literally meaning rolling among flowers) in the village of Qalade in Kafar district of Fars province has been added to the country’s tourism calendar.
According to a report by IRNA, Ali Asghar Taheri, director of the Kafar Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department, said that after completing the documentation procedure, the cultural and religious rituals of Gol Ghaltan were also included in the intangible heritage list with number 104161141.
He added that the event has a long history and is held every year to coincide with the daffodil harvest season and local festivals, attracting the attention of many tourists from home and abroad.
One of the most important cultural and religious rituals in the region, baby dipping in flower petals plays an important role in showcasing the city’s tourism and handicraft capabilities.
Taheri added that holding this event every year and at the same time as the daffodil harvest is a good opportunity to showcase Kafar’s local products, handicrafts and souvenirs, and is effective in attracting tourists and revitalizing the local economy.
He said the city, with its diverse agricultural products and natural beauty, is one of the popular tourist destinations in Fars at different seasons of the year.
The village of Qalade is part of Kafar, Fars province, 120 kilometers south of Shiraz.
Also, women from different parts of Damgan province in northern Semnan province wrap infants under one year of age in pink roses during the Golgaltan ritual, believing that it will keep them fresh and healthy.
The ceremony is held from April to May when roses bloom in this area.
Female members of the family, primarily the baby’s mother, grandmother, and aunt, perform the ritual. Early in the morning, a woman bathes her baby, puts the baby on a white bed sheet filled with pink rose petals, and rolls the baby around while shaking the sheet.
Four female members of the family hold the four corners of the sheet and recite religious songs depicting the majesty of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Golgaltan ritual has been practiced for over 400 years and is listed as the oldest spiritual heritage site in Semnan Province.
KD