Preparation of the Files for "Gandom Polo" and "Grape Molasses" of Qaleh Bala for National Registration of Intangible Heritage

According to Miras Arya, Seyed Mohammad Sadegh Razavian said: The files for "Gandom Polo", a traditional food with a history of several hundred years, and "Grape Molasses", an autumn ritual that is held annually in Qaleh Bala, were sent for registration in the national list of intangible heritage after documentation and completion of filming and registration forms. The head of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department of Shahroud County added: Gandom Polo, as one of the authentic dishes of the region, is currently offered to tourists in the eco-lodges of Qaleh Bala, and grape molasses is a ritual that is performed with the collective participation of the villagers, from grape harvesting to boiling the extract in large cauldrons. He stated: The registration of these rituals and traditional foods, in addition to preserving intangible heritage, will play an important role in the development of sustainable tourism, strengthening the local economy, and transferring traditional knowledge to future generations. Razavian said: Qaleh Bala is a village where nature, culture, and taste come together to create a unique memory for tourists, and the national registration of this intangible heritage is a valuable step towards the globalization of the cultural and tourism capacities of this village.