Norooz Bal , meaning the Norooz fire, is the start of Gilan New Year, in which fire lighting is one of its most important programs, and from long past the people would welcome the New Year by lighting fire. Lighting the fire, thanking God for his blessings and crops, and praying for the peace of the souls of the dead were parts of this ancient Iranian tradition.
Norouz Bal Ceremony
This ceremony coincides with harvesting in Gilan, a northern province in Iran. The Persian New Year, Norooz, is traditionally celebrated on 21st March in Iran and many other countries in the region. But in the past, the people of Gilan, in northern Iran, used to have a parallel New Year ceremony called Norooz Bal which was held in early August.
Norooz bal Ceremony, 1588
Norooz Bal is the name of a festival celebrated on the first day of ‘Norooz Ma’ and this is the first day of Daylaman New Year (Ma means Month). Norooz ma is the first month of the year, which lasts for 30 days, and begins with the celebration of Norooz Daylami on August 17th every year. After the invasion of Arabs, the Daylaman people lost track of the leap year calculation. For this reason, gradually, as each 4 years passed, the Daylaman Norooz stayed behind by one day. The leap year was forgotten until the year 934 Hejri lunar calendar (about 500 years ago), during the reign of Tahmasb Shah when Daylaman accepted Iranian nationality.
On this year, which is equal to Hormoz day, the first day of the year 5454 Yazdgerdi calendar (the ancient Iranian calendar) the solar calendar was again used officially. The natives of this area call this calendar their sun calendar.
Norooz Bal is celebrated in Daylaman, which comprises the land between Sepidroud River in the west and Shiroud River in the east of Gilan. Norooz Bal celebration, on the same day of ‘Our Nowrooz’, the first day of Gilani New Year, was held in Daylaman.
What Makes Us Special?
Lotka Ecolodge is located in peaceful place, among the nature of the Hyrcanian Caspian Sea. Here, you will get acquainted with the culture of Gilak people. Here you can go on a rowboat trip from the private pier next the river at the back of the Ecolodge, buy local handicrafts provided by rural women as souvenirs, and order Gilani local cuisine (often with organic ingredients).
In Lotka Ecolodge, you will get acquainted with the culture and nature of Gilan. So, you can take part in the daily activities and ceremonies of the village at certain times, go to the mountains, forests, and lagoons around here and get acquainted with the nature of the Hyrcanian Caspian Sea.
Lotka Ecolodge is a rural residence. Currently, Shekili House (Issa-khan’s home) and Orjeni House are two two residences with local architecture in Lotka.
Our guests can go on a rowboat trip from our private pier next to the river, buy local handicrafts of our store, and order Gilani local cuisine.
HOW TO GET TO LOOTKA?
By Air: The distance between Rasht Airport and Lotka Ecolodge is 19 km (30 min). This international airport located in 10 kilometers north of Rasht. There are a few daily flights from Tehran to Rasht. Most of these depart either early in the morning or late afternoon. Also, there is a direct flight to Dubai. When you arrive, you can take the airport taxi to Lotka or Arrange with us before boarding the plane to pick you up.
By Bus and Taxi:The closest bus terminal to Lotka is Anzali Bus Station, with a distance of 24 km (35 min) from Lotka. There is bus service from the west terminal (Terminal-E-Gharb) in Tehran to Anzali every day, hourly or every 30 min, and distance is 5 hours. Also, there is taxi service (shared or private) from Tehran to Rasht in the west terminal by yellow taxies (Samand), the taxi station located inside the terminal. When you arrive, you can take the bus station taxi to Lotka or Arrange with us before arriving to pick you up.
Our Lodge is located on the north of the city, in a very quiet and peaceful place, among the nature of the Hyrcanian Caspian Sea. Nearest beach from the Ecolodge is only 4 km (10 minutes by car and 30 minutes’ walk). The distance between Rasht Airport and Lotka Ecolodge is 19 km (30 min). This international airport located 10 kilometers north of Rasht.
