Varf Chal; a traditional ceremony at the foot of Damavand

Iran is the land of great history and ceremonies, each region of this country has its traditions, rituals, and customs. One of these traditional ceremonies is called Barf Chal, which in Mazandaran dialect is also named Varf-e-Chal and it is one of the ancient traditions of Iran. It is interesting to know that the history of this ceremony dates back to the Buyid dynasty in the region called Tabarestan.  Varf Chal is the word of Mazandaran, which means a "well", that is dug and filled with snow.

IRMTravel intends to introduce this traditional ceremony as ritual around Damavand Peak in this article. In addition, to unique natural attractions, the Damavand mountain region has an ancient history and unique traditions.

Men work and women rule!

Interesting and strange Varf Chal ceremony is held every year in the middle of May in the village of Ab-e Ask, Larijan (at the foot of Damavand mountain). We called this ceremony strange because, during it, each man should collect some snow and carry them one kilometer with him hardly. The snow collected in the well is poured to a height of 10 meters. 

But what do women?!

On the other side of the ceremony, it is the day of feminism in the village of Ab-e Ask. On this day, the women of the village somehow take over the government, they stay in the village and enjoy their day! In this ceremony, women gather and dance and sing. On this special day; women can live without hijab in the village because there are no men there. The men aren’t allowed to enter the feminist ceremony at all! On this day, women also prepare a variety of traditional foods. Most of these foods are cooked according to the vows of the villagers. Therefore, the day of the Varf Chal ceremony can be considered as the day of women's rule in Ab-e-Ask village. After the ceremony, the villagers sit by the well and taste their food. 

What is the main reason for holding this ceremony?

There are various ideas for the Varf Chal ceremony. But the main thing is to fill the well for the warm seasons. The villagers believe that the snow in the well melts and irrigates animals and passers-by. The Varf Chal ceremony shows the cooperation and assistance of the villagers of this region and puts an end to the grudges and turmoil that exist between them. This ceremony provides the water needed for livestock in the summer and helps the livestock to prosper in the region. This ceremony has been registered in the spiritual list of the country's cultural heritage and has become a fixed tradition and ritual for the people of Amol city, which on the day of the ceremony, in addition to the citizens of Amol, people from other cities of Mazandaran also welcome and participate.

For participating in this amazing ceremony, IRMtravel can guide and help you so send us your inquiry.