The Dudush Ritual

“Dudush” is one of the ancient rituals of the livestock herders in the Shaneh Tarash village of Tonekabon city.

Its main purpose is the milking of sheep and determining the amount of milk. After measuring the flock and the milk, it is handed over to the Sargalesh (shepherd/herdsman). Throughout the months of grazing and milking, and the preparation of cheese, yogurt, butter, and Kashk (a type of dried yogurt), after deducting the Sargalesh’s wages, the milk (or its equivalent) is returned to the owner based on the amount measured at the beginning of the season.

دامداران درحال دوشیدن شیر گوسفندان

On the day of the Dudush ritual in Shaneh Tarash, each herdsman milks their own flock. Accordingly, after milking, the milk belonging to each herdsman is measured with a specific container. Half of the milk belongs to the Sargalesh, and the other half belongs to the owner of the livestock. In return, the owner receives local butter or cheese from the Sargalesh.

Date: July (Tir) of each year.

دامداران درحال مشخص کردن سهم هر شخص از شیرهای دوشیده شده

Registration of “DuDush Shaneh Tarash Ceremony” as a National Tourism Event

The traditional DuDush Shaneh Tarash ceremony has been officially inscribed in the list of national tourism events by the National Events Registration Committee. This centuries-old ritual, deeply rooted in local culture, is recognized as one of the prominent examples of intangible heritage and is now being prepared for broader introduction to both domestic and international tourists.

With the registration of the DuDush Shaneh Tarash ceremony in the national tourism events list, an important step has been taken toward preserving intangible heritage and promoting sustainable tourism — a move that, in addition to safeguarding indigenous traditions, is expected to contribute to the region’s economic prosperity.

Photo: Certificate of Registration

متن گواهی نامه ثبت شدن مراسم دودوش در تقویم رویدادهای گردشگری

Explanation of the Dudush ritual by livestock farmer Rahman Khodabakhshi

Dudush: the 300-year heritage of the livestock farmers of Shaneh Tarash village, Tonekabon