IRNA | Ata Ranjbar: Qouch-Gozar is a long-standing and traditional ceremony held in Iran to thank the efforts of shepherds taking care of the cattle.





The traditional ceremony has always been held as a local celebration, but it was recently held officially, for the first time, in Bardeh village near the city of Kalat city in Khorasan Razavi province, northeast of Iran.

According to a Farsi report by IRNA, in this ceremony the owner of the sheep appreciates the efforts of the shepherd and if the two come to an agreement, the shepherd will take care of the herd for another year. However, if they do not agree, a new shepherd will take over this responsibility.

The sheep owners also distribute Fatir (or unleavened bread) baked by women among herdsmen at the feast. According to the number of herds, each owner also offers sugarloaf to his shepherd.

Among the other traditions are Choukheh wrestling and horseracing.