The Thousand Drums of Palangan ceremony has officially been added to the tourism calendar of Eastern Kurdistan and Iran, marking its growing importance in the region’s cultural tourism.
Held annually in the village of Palangan, part of Kamyaran township in Sanandaj Province, the event brings together musicians, officials, tourists, and locals in a vibrant celebration of tradition. The ceremony recently took place, drawing significant participation and attention.
Registered under number 204191088, this cultural event aims to revive Sufi music, strengthen local identity, and attract both domestic and international visitors. Experts agree that the ceremony plays a vital role in boosting cultural tourism across the region.
This year, the festival marked its third edition and drew an estimated 60,000 attendees from across Iran and abroad. In addition to performances featuring the traditional Kurdish percussion instrument—the Daf—the ceremony also included the recitation of religious hymns, reflecting the festival’s spiritual roots.
Palangan, a historic village nestled in the rugged mountains of Iran’s Kurdistan province and the Hewraman region, is renowned for its distinctive stepped architecture, which dates back to the pre-Islamic era. This unique architectural style has earned Palangan national recognition: it is one of only eight villages selected from 150 across Iran for its cultural and architectural significance, drawing thousands of tourists annually.
Palangan village is also part of the Cultural Landscape of Hawraman/Uramanat, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021 for its terraced architecture, traditional agropastoral lifestyle, and rich cultural heritage.
