Iran’s Ash Festival highlights ethnic diversity, unity through traditional cuisine
Annual event in Zanjan gathers cooks, artists, and foreign participants to celebrate cultural heritage
ZANJAN, Iran (MNTV) — The 18th edition of Iran’s National Ash Festival opened this week at the Gavazang Recreational Center in Zanjan, bringing together cooks, artisans, and visitors from across the country to celebrate one of Iran’s most iconic traditional dishes.
Established in 2005, the festival has grown into the largest food event in Iran, showcasing not only local cuisine but also the country’s ethnic and cultural diversity.
This year’s four-day event featured more than 14 varieties of ash, a thick, slow-cooked soup of beans, herbs, and noodles, alongside other regional specialties.
Chefs from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and India joined Iranian participants, underscoring the regional appeal of ash and its variations found across West and Central Asia.
Visitors also experienced handicraft exhibitions, folk music, traditional dances, and bread-baking demonstrations in nomadic tents.
The festival’s slogan, “Iranian Food, Worldwide Food,” reflects its ambition to promote Iranian cuisine on the global stage.
Organizers emphasized ash not only as a culinary tradition but also as a symbol of community, noting that preparing the dish requires collective effort, reinforcing unity and cooperation.
Historically, ash has been central to Iranian life, served both at celebratory gatherings and during times of mourning to express solidarity and compassion.
The communal cooking tradition, organizers said, echoes ancient thanksgiving rituals where farmers and villagers would share harvests, perform dances, and give thanks for nature’s blessings.
At the festival, performers in colorful regional costumes presented Kurdish and Baluchi folk dances, while craftsmen displayed pottery, weaving, and other traditional skills.
Winners in categories such as cooking, handicrafts, and cultural competitions were also honored at the closing ceremony.
The National Ash Festival, blending ancient customs with modern celebrations, has become a symbol of cultural resilience and shared heritage, reflecting how food continues to bring together Iran’s diverse ethnic communities.
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