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Qom Festivals & Events by Month (2026)
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Qom Etiquette 2026: What Not to Do
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Things to Do in Qom (2026)
The Fatima Masumeh Shrine is the spiritual heart of Qom, drawing pilgrims year-round. The golden dome and mirrored courtyards are stunning, and non-Muslims can enter the o… 🕌 Visit the Holy Shrine
The Fatima Masumeh Shrine is the spiritual heart of Qom, drawing pilgrims year-round. The golden dome and mirrored courtyards are stunning, and non-Muslims can enter the outer precincts respectfully. Arrive early morning to avoid crowds, especially during religious holidays.
📚 Explore the Theological Seminaries
Qom is Iran's center of Shia learning, with historic seminaries like the Fayzieh School. You can join a free guided tour in English arranged through the Qom Seminary Visitors Center. Dress modestly and expect separate entrances for men and women.
🏛️ Discover the Qom Bazaar
The traditional bazaar near the shrine offers saffron, pistachios, and religious souvenirs. Haggle politely, and stop for a glass of fresh pomegranate juice at one of the juice stalls. The bazaar is busiest in the late afternoon after prayer times.
🏞️ Hike in the Surrounding Mountains
Just 20 minutes south of the city, the Kuh-e Khargushi trail offers panoramic views of Qom and the desert. It's a moderate 2-hour hike best done at sunrise or sunset. Bring water and a hat, as shade is scarce.
🕌 See the Jamkaran Mosque
Located 6 kilometers east of Qom, the Jamkaran Mosque is a major pilgrimage site associated with the Twelfth Imam. The vast complex includes prayer halls and a well where devotees toss written wishes. Free shuttle buses run from the shrine area every 30 minutes.
🍽️ Taste Local Qomi Cuisine
Try the regional dish 'dizi' (meat and chickpea stew) at traditional restaurants like Sofreh Khaneh Sonnati. For a sweet treat, sample 'sohan', a saffron brittle, from the bazaar's confectionery stalls. Most eateries near the shrine serve lunch from noon to 3 PM.
🏛️ Visit the Qom Museum
Housed in a former bathhouse, the Qom Museum displays Islamic ceramics, coins, and calligraphy. It's located on Moallem Street, a 10-minute walk from the shrine. Entry costs about 50,000 IRR and it's open from 9 AM to 5 PM, except Fridays.
🌃 Stroll the Shrine at Night
After sunset, the shrine complex is beautifully illuminated, creating a serene atmosphere. The courtyards stay open until midnight, and you can join the evening prayers. This is a peaceful time to reflect and photograph the intricate tilework without daytime crowds.
fwiw the museum tip is right but if you walk 5 mins past it on moallem street there's this little hidden tea house called chaikhaneh golha that's basically a secret among locals. no sign outside, just a green door with a faded number 23. they do this mint and rosewater tea that's perfect after the shrine crowds, and the guy who runs it makes his own gaz (the iranian nougat) that's way better than anything in the bazaar. 30k toman for tea and a piece of gaz, cheapest thing you'll find in qom
the museum is worth a quick stop but don't expect more than 30 mins there, the calligraphy is the best part. if you're at the shrine at night, grab some faloodeh from the little cart outside the main gate on safa'iyeh street, it's way better than the ones inside the bazaar and only 15k toman. dizi at sofreh khaneh sonnati is solid but honestly the portions are huge so share one between two people unless you're starving
honestly the night time shrine tip is the best advice in there, i went around 10pm and it felt like a completely different city, so calm you almost forget there's millions of pilgrims there during the day. also if you're into photography the reflections in the courtyard pools after dark are gorgeous
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Qom Festivals & Events by Month (2026)
Qom's festival calendar follows the lunar Hijri and solar Persian systems, so dates shift each year. In 2026, key events include Nowruz in March, Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in Feb… 📅 Year at a Glance
Qom's festival calendar follows the lunar Hijri and solar Persian systems, so dates shift each year. In 2026, key events include Nowruz in March, Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in February-March, and Muharram commemorations in June-July. This guide gives approximate timings and practical tips for each.
🌸 Nowruz (March 20-24)
Nowruz, the Persian New Year, falls on March 20, 2026, with celebrations lasting about four days. In Qom, families gather at the Shrine of Fatima Masumeh and parks like Al-Ghadir Park for picnics. Tourists can enjoy special sweets like samanu and see haft-sin displays, but expect crowded bazaars and book hotels early.
🌙 Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin around February 17 and end with Eid al-Fitr around March 19. In Qom, the holy month brings nightly iftar meals at the shrine and mosques, open to visitors. Dress modestly and avoid eating in public during daylight; Eid prayers at the shrine are crowded but welcoming.
🕌 Eid al-Adha (May 27)
Eid al-Adha, around May 27, 2026, is marked by prayers at the Shrine of Fatima Masumeh and animal sacrifices. Many locals distribute meat to the needy, and visitors may be invited to share meals. The shrine area is busy from early morning; arrive before 7 AM for a spot.
🕯️ Muharram Commemorations
Muharram, expected to start around June 16, 2026, is a month of mourning with processions and passion plays. In Qom, the shrine hosts nightly recitations, and streets near the bazaar fill with crowds. Non-Muslim tourists should observe respectfully, wear dark clothing, and avoid photography during rituals.
🍎 Yalda Night (December 21)
Yalda, the winter solstice on December 21, is celebrated with family gatherings, poetry, and fruits like pomegranates and watermelon. In Qom, some restaurants and cultural centers offer special Yalda menus; try traditional cafes around the bazaar. It's a quiet, home-based holiday, so book a restaurant dinner in advance.
🎭 Local Cultural Festivals
Qom hosts smaller events like the annual Handicrafts Exhibition in May at the Permanent Exhibition Center on Enqelab Street. The city also celebrates National Day of Qom in January with lectures and tours of historical sites. Check local posters at the shrine or ask your hotel for exact dates.
🧳 Practical Tips
Book accommodation at least a month ahead for Nowruz and Ramadan, as hotels near the shrine fill up. Dress modestly year-round, and expect separate hours or sections at some events. For Muharram, avoid the shrine area during peak procession times if you're not comfortable with crowds.
one thing the guide skips: the shrine has separate visiting hours for women & men, so check the posted schedule before u go. also the samanu at the little shops off Chahar Mardan is worth the walk
Nowruz park picnics, book by mid-January.
Yalda restaurants in Qom book out days ahead since it's mostly a home holiday, so reserve early or you'll be stuck with supermarket pomegranates.