The nakhl gardani rite of the inhabitants of Naragh

The most important tradition of mourning ceremonies and among the most ancient customs of Hossein's epic commemoration, is a ritual that takes place every year in the historic city of Narâgh (Markazi region). This ceremony is considered the culmination of the activities of Ashurâ day in this city.

Even the original people of Narâgh who live in other cities of the country, each year to fulfill their desires and participate in this ancient ceremony, go to their village of historical origin and take part in this tradition.

This rite was included in the list of national works as one of the spiritual goods of the country. The historical ceremony of the nakhl gardâni of the inhabitants of Narâgh, takes place not only on the days of the month of Moharram, but also on the night of the martyrdom of Imam Alì (A) and that of Fâtemeh (A); the palm is removed from its usual place, placed on the shoulders of the followers of the Ahl Al Beit and carried around reciting religious verses. The main difference of Narâgh's nakhl gardâni with those that take place all over the country is that the palm, from the Hossenyeh or the place where it is kept, is pulled out and carried to all points of the city, even in the narrow alleys and after the end of the ceremony in the upper district and the city bazaar, she is transported to the lower district.

This palm has numerous supports of which each belongs to one of the Narâgh families or clans and moves from one family to another. One of the interesting ceremonies that takes place here in the days of Moharram is the baking of a bread called "nân-e shir" (milk bread) by the inhabitants and on the day of the ashurâ it is offered to those carrying the supports of the palm tree and to other people.