TEHRAN - In the picturesque mountains of northern Iran, a vibrant and historic festival called Nowruzbal ushers in a New Year for the locals, according to the ancient Deylami Calendar.

Held during the peak of summer, this age-old celebration captures the spirit of renewal and community, echoing traditions that have been passed down through generations in Gilan province and surrounding regions.

Nowruzbal, which translates to "the fire of Nowruz" in the Gilaki language, marks the start of the New Year in the middle of Mordad, the fifth month of the Iranian calendar. The festival has its roots in the traditions of the shepherding communities in parts of the provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, Qazvin, and Alborz. Historically, these communities relied on the rhythm of the seasons to guide their way of life, with the New Year heralded by the hottest days and longest daylight hours of summer.

The origins of Nowruzbal are as rich and varied as the landscapes where it is celebrated. Some trace the festival's roots back to the epic tales of Fereydun and Zahak, legendary figures from the Shahnameh, the Persian Book of Kings.

In these stories, Nowruzbal commemorates Fereydun's victory over the tyrant Zahak, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Others view the festival as a time of thanksgiving for the summer harvest and an occasion for paying tributes in the form of taxes to ancient rulers, known as the Tribute Ceremony.

One of the most captivating aspects of Nowruzbal is its use as a natural weather forecasting method. Mountain dwellers believed that the direction of the fire's spiral could predict the upcoming winter's harshness. If the flames twisted toward the southern mountains, a mild winter was expected. Conversely, if the flames spiraled towards the plains, a harsh winter was anticipated.

On the eve of the festival, people gather around large communal fires, singing ritual songs and sharing stories that have been woven into the fabric of their cultural identity. The atmosphere is filled with joy as friends and families visit each other's homes, exchanging warm greetings and gifts, reinforcing bonds of community and kinship.

One of the festival's most iconic rituals involves lighting fires atop the highest mountains, signaling the arrival of the New Year to shepherds and ranchers in the area. This tradition not only marks the change of the year but also serves as a practical cue for shepherds to migrate their herds from the highlands back to the plains of Gilan, aligning their movements with the seasonal changes that dictate their pastoral lifestyle.

The festival offers a unique glimpse into the region's history, providing tourists with a memorable experience of Persian cultural traditions. With the rise of cultural and rural tourism, events like Nowruzbal serve as powerful attractions, drawing visitors eager to immerse themselves in the authentic customs and local lifestyles of northern Iran.

AM