Tehran – In each spring, the air of Kashan is filled with the delicate fragrance of blooming damask roses. This is a romance. The enchanting Rosewater Festival brings together tradition, fragrance and beauty together in a timeless celebration.
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, the Kashan Rose Water Festival attracts visitors from all over the world and is eager to witness the old process of distilling rosewater, Mehr’s news agency wrote.
This lively event, held annually from mid-May to late June, transforms Cashan into a fragrant wonderland. Among the festival’s main hosts are Qamsar, which has been praised worldwide for producing the finest quality rosewater, 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. Its rosewater is widely regarded as unparalleled in 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 rosewater 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.
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. Petal petals, rosewater, are born. It was born not in a factory, but in a courtyard where knowledge from generation to generation is handed over.
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, rosewater distillation 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.
Mid-May, from mid-April to late May, marks the distillation season for rosewater. 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 rosewater has been purposeful for centuries. Houses, mosques, and even dreams, it remains – calm, cleansing, connecting.
The Timeless Benefits of Kashan Rosewater
Distilled from the famous Gol-e Mohammadi (Damask Rose), Kashan rose water is more than a fragrant tradition. It is a natural elixir celebrated for centuries in Persian medicine, skincare and culinary arts.
Soothing and Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally used to reduce skin and eye inflammation, Kashan Rosewater is known for its calming effect on both the body and mind.
Digestive Support: Rosewater, 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.
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: Rosewater helps maintain skin elasticity and reduce 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, rosewater makes a fragrant summer drink throughout 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 rosewater is often used to wash the kaba in Mecca and emphasizes spiritual values throughout the Islamic world.
Kashan Rosewater 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.