Mehrgon Festival – A Cultural Celebration for All

The Mehrgon Festival – June 21-23 is an annual cultural celebration that is one of the biggest festivals in Central Asia. Held between June 21 and 23 every year, Mehrgon celebrates the rich diversity, cultural heritage, and traditions of the people of Central Asia. The festival has been celebrated since the ancient times when the people used to gather around fire and celebrate the arrival of summer. The word Mehrgon means ‘the festival of the summer solstice’ and it marks the advent of the hottest period of the year.

The Mehrgon Festival – June 21-23 dates back to over 5000 years when it was a celebration of the end of the sowing season.

The festival has strong roots in Zoroastrianism, which was the predominant religion of the Central Asian region before the advent of Islam.

Today, Mehrgon is celebrated by Central Asians regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or background.

The festival is a time for friends and families to come together and enjoy traditional foods, games, music, and dance.

Mehrgon is not just a celebration of the summer solstice, but also a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Central Asian region.

One of the most anticipated events at Mehrgon is the traditional game of Buzkashi, where horseback riders compete to grab a goat carcass and place it in a designated spot.

Other popular activities at the festival include dance performances, camel races, and traditional cooking competitions.

One of the main highlights of Mehrgon is the colorful and elaborate traditional outfits worn by the locals.

Visitors can also indulge in traditional delicacies, such as rice pilaf, kebabs, and qoroot, a type of dried cheese served with bread.

The evening of June 21 is considered the most important day of the festival, as it marks the longest day of the year and the advent of summer.

During this time, locals light bonfires and perform traditional dances to welcome summer.

Another interesting tradition of Mehrgon is the exchange of gifts between families and friends as a symbol of friendship and unity.

The festival also has a strong spiritual aspect, as many pilgrims travel to shrines and holy sites to offer prayers and seek blessings during Mehrgon.

With the growing popularity of the festival, the government of Kyrgyzstan has declared it a public holiday.

Every year, the festival draws thousands of local and international tourists who come to witness this vibrant and colorful cultural celebration.

Tourists can also participate in various workshops, such as traditional jewelry making, carpet weaving, and pottery.

The Mehrgon Festival – June 21-23 is truly a celebration of diversity, friendship, and unity, making it an important event on the cultural calendar of Central Asia.

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