Every spring, a fascinating fragrance takes over the towns of Kamsal and Niasar, turning the region into a living flower festival. Known as one of Iran’s most beloved seasonal traditions, Kashan Rose Water Festival hopes to attract visitors from all over the country and around the world to witness the old process of water distillation of roses.
This lively event, held annually from mid-May to late June, transforms Cashan into a fragrant wonderland. Among the festival’s main hosts are Kamsar, which has been praised worldwide for producing the finest quality rose water, and Niasar, a city that is deeply ingrained in both natural beauty and historic charm.
Just 30km from Kashan, Kamsar has gained international recognition for his centuries-old expertise in extracting rose essence. The rose’s water is considered to be unparalleled for its purity and aroma.
It is located 30km west, and is Niasar, often referred to as the “ancient garden of Iran.” Although famous for participating in the Rosewater Festival, Niasar also offers lush landscapes, ancient temples, waterfalls and a calm feeling rooted in history.
Every May, the valleys and gardens of these two towns are filled with the rich and sweet aromas of fresh damask roses. The festival not only celebrates harvest and crafts, but also offers an opportunity to explore a variety of traditional techniques of rose water distillation that have been passed down over generations.
Every spring, somewhere between the sun-sucking desert and snowy mountains, the city of Cashan awakens. It smells not noise or noise. A gentle, sweet fragrance wafts through the breeze, rising from the damask roses that shine with millions of hands. This is more than just a harvest. It’s Gorabili – the enchanting Rosewater Festival of Cashan.
A tradition that blooms and stains with fire
In Kamsar, Niasar and the villages beyond, copper stills glow in the morning light. It was set on fire underneath it. The steam rises. The petals create the water of roses. It is born not in factories, but in courtyards where knowledge is passed from generation to generation.
Before the heat of the day begins, each finger dyed with the scent collects flowers. A ritual unfolds in which nature encounters crafts, and the essence of Persian identity is poured into delicate glass bottles.
Over 2,000 meters above sea level, the rose garden thrives. The dry wind meets the alpine air. This unique geography creates Gol et Mohammadi, a flower cherished for its spiritual, medicinal and culinary powers in Iranian culture.
The Rosewater Festival is not just being observed – it is alive. Although not staged, it is genuinely woven into the rhythm of everyday life. From picking roses at dawn to distilling at dusk, everything becomes a sense of east feast. In a moving world, Gorabili offers a pause. The moment when simplicity becomes luxurious. The beauty of handmade items is appreciated beyond speed. The flowers were not just flowers, they dripped with memories, medicines and magic.
When the roses bloom
The Gorabili season will be marked from mid-April to mid-May. Early mornings reveal the most activity. Blushing pink under the golden light brings back to life the true soul of Iranian spring.
Used in rituals, remedies, desserts and devotions, Kashan rose water has been purposeful for centuries. Houses, mosques, and even dreams, it remains – calm, cleansing, connecting.
The Timeless Benefits of Cashan Rose Water
Kashan rose water, distilled from the famous Gol-e Mohammadi (Damask Rose), is more than a fragrant tradition. It is a natural elixir celebrated for centuries in Persian medicine, skincare and culinary arts.
Medicinal properties
Soothing and Anti-inflammatory Agents: Traditionally used to reduce inflammation in the skin and eyes, Kashan Rose Water is known for its calming effect on both the body and mind.
Digestive Support: Rose water, which is often consumed after meals, can help relieve bloating, indigestion and mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
Stress Relief: Its scent is thought to have the effects of natural antidepressants, alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation.
Skin care and beauty
Natural Toner: Thanks to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, it tones, hydrates, and refreshes the skin, making it a staple of Iranian beauty rituals.
Anti-aging Effect: Rose water maintains skin elasticity and reduces signs of aging through its antioxidant-rich formula.
Sunburn and Irritability Treatment: Widely used to soothe skin irritation or exposed to the sun.
Cooking use
Aromatic Ingredients: Add a distinct floral flavour to traditional Persian desserts such as Shore Hazard (saffron rice pudding), baklava and faldo.
Refreshing drink: Mix water, lemon juice or herb infusions, rose water becomes a fragrant summer drink served in Iran.
Psychological and Cultural Roles
Used in rituals and rituals: as a symbol of purity and peace, it is scattered across religious gatherings, funerals and traditional celebrations.
A sacred space with a scent: Kashan rose water is often used to wash the Kaba in Mecca and emphasizes spiritual values throughout the Islamic world.
Kashan Rose Water is not just a local product, but the essence of treatment, subtlety and ritual, rich in the heritage of one bottle. Respected for its purity and handmade process, it remains the basis of Persian natural health.
By Mohaddeseh Pakravan