Golabgiri (Rosewater Extraction) Ceremony

Golabgiri is a traditional ceremony held annually in 14 provinces of Iran, mainly from early Ordibehesht to late Khordad (based on climatic conditions). The most famous rosewater in the world comes from Kashan. The ceremony of Golabgiri in Iran begins at the start of Ordibehesht, and the rosewater producers of Meymand, Fars Province, located 90 kilometers southeast of Shiraz, are the first to start the ritual each year due to favorable weather conditions. Every year, the Flower and Rosewater Festival in Meymand begins in early Ordibehesht, and by the end of the month, the harvesting of Damask roses and rosewater extraction concludes.

The flower-picking and Golabgiri ceremonies, along with the Maimand Flower and Rosewater Festival, attract approximately 2 million tourists annually from across the country, especially from southern provinces. The Golabgiri ceremony also takes place in other regions, including Darab County and various parts of Kashan County such as Qamsar, Niasar, Dehabad village (Natanz County), and Badroud city.

During this ceremony, which draws over a million visitors each year, rosewater is produced from the red roses cultivated in these regions. In Kashan County’s Golabgiri workshops, about 15,000 tons of concentrated rosewater are produced annually.