which the youth wear loose colorful garments, congregate in a field and raise their hands on their heads in the form of prayer. The man who bears the sword sings musical odes with a charming voice and the ceremony continues until they tighten their circle into a knot. The sword bearer then raises the sword as a token of valor and other members firmly grasp each other's hands as a token of valor and solidarity. References External links Official Website Bandar-e Torkaman entry in Encyclopaedia Iranica Populated places in Torkaman County Cities in Golestan Province Port cities and towns in Iran Populated places on the Caspian Sea