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The 'Qovun Sayli' Festival is a celebration that harmoniously combines millennia-old agricultural traditions, national values, and modern tourism directions.

In recent years, the tourism potential of the Khorezm region has significantly improved, leading to a constant increase in the number of visitors. For example, in 2026, over twelve million tourists visited the city of Khiva, more than two and a half million of whom were foreign guests.

The reason for the growth in tourist flow is the organization of annual major events aimed at attracting a larger number of visitors and ensuring them an interesting time. Last year, more than ten international festivals and over twenty local mass events were organized in the region.

Among the international events are such as the 'International Bachshi Art', 'Qovun Sayli', 'Splendor of Khorezm Knowledge', 'Lazgi', the international 'Strongman' game, the Khorezm Forum of International Investments, and the international gastronomic festival 'National Dishes of Khorezm Khans'.

Every August, the traditional international festival 'Qovun Sayli' takes place in the ancient and always picturesque city of Khiva. This festival is held to draw attention from both local and foreign tourists to the development of Khorezm horticulture, as well as to increase tourist flow.

Farmers, entrepreneurs, and gardeners from not only all districts of Khorezm but also from other regions of the republic actively participate in the festival, presenting harvests of watermelons, melons, products from polis, fruits, and vegetables grown in the fields and gardens of Khorezm.

Last year, nearly two million local and foreign guests arrived in the region during the festival. This had a positive impact on the development of the hospitality, restaurant, and service sectors. Furthermore, new opportunities for cooperation and sales markets were created for local farmers.

During the three days of the festival, special pavilions are allocated in the city of Khiva for participants, where exhibitions of polis cultures and finished products grown by local farmers are held. Each pavilion features unique cultural programs, theatrical performances, demonstrations of national clothing, concerts by folklore ensembles, and exhibitions of national dishes.

There was also a competition for the design and exhibition of these pavilions. Following the 'Qovun Sayli' 2025 festival, awards were presented to the 'Tracker' passenger car (highest award), 'Onix' (first place), and 'Damas' (second place), as well as motorcycles (third place).

Historical sources indicate that in ancient times, over 400 varieties of watermelons were grown in Khorezm, while currently, over 150 varieties are cultivated. New watermelon varieties, scientific developments, experience, and products from watermelons are demonstrated at every festival. The previous festival featured 125 types of watermelons and over 150 types of products from them; an even greater result is expected this year.

According to festival participants, 'Qovun Sayli' is the most massive, sweetest, most aromatic, and most rich gastronomic holiday among all international events. This is because local and foreign tourists enjoy sweet watermelons, sweets made from them, refreshing drinks, and national dishes.

During the festival, guests have the opportunity to taste watermelons, communicate with producers, and learn more about the region's agriculture, as well as take part in entertainment programs.

This year, the international festival 'Qovun Sayli' will take place on August 7, 8, and 9 in the city of Khiva. Active preparatory work for this event is currently underway.

The traditional festival program, combining national values, gastronomic culture, and art, includes an exhibition of famous and fragrant Khorezm watermelons, a presentation of national dishes, samples of folk crafts, theatrical productions, national songs and dances, as well as fun events.

Large shows and gala concerts featuring the most famous artists from both our country and foreign countries are planned for the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival.

'Qovun Sayli' is not just an agricultural product fair. It is a cultural holiday that reflects the customs of our people, national dishes, folklore art, and the spirit of hospitality.

In the context of the modern world, marked by geopolitical instability and ethnic conflicts in various parts of the globe, maintaining stability and social cohesion has become a crucial task for any state. On the occasion of Peoples' Friendship Day, the President sent festive greetings to the people, which are not just words of gratitude but reflect a clear vision and strategic approach to a united and cohesive society in the country.

The Philosophy of Unity and Cohesion

As the President emphasized, the idea that 'Our strength lies in unity and solidarity' has ceased to be an empty slogan; it has transformed into the daily lifestyle of millions of citizens and the driving force of society. The land of Uzbekistan has always been a meeting place for various civilizations, cultures, and beliefs, making it a cradle of tolerance.

Institutional Support for Tolerance

The values of a people who, in difficult times, welcomed representatives of others onto their land and shared their bread have today been elevated to the level of state policy. In New Uzbekistan, ensuring interethnic harmony is implemented on an institutional basis. Adopted regulatory legal acts and the concept of state policy in the field of interethnic relations serve as a reliable shield guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of more than 130 peoples and ethnicities, as well as 16 religious confessions residing in the country.

Examples of Diversity in Life

Representatives of various nationalities living in this tolerant environment feel this daily. For example, a teacher belonging to the Russian people noted that all conditions have been created for free communication in Russian, quality education of children in their native language, and the celebration of national holidays. He also stressed that the system of teaching in seven languages in 157 national cultural centers and schools of Uzbekistan is a vivid testament to the high attention and respect for representatives of different nations.

Furthermore, cultural demonstration occurs through broadcasts in different languages in the mass media, as well as through the publication of newspapers and magazines, which contributes to the preservation of each nation's culture. The diversity of cultures is demonstrated by the pavilions of national cultural centers in the capital, the 'Garden of Tolerance' in 'New Uzbekistan' park, and ethnographic and tourist villages in the regions.

Social and Political Achievements

Reforms in this area are not limited only to the cultural sphere, but are also reflected in social and political life. Dozens of deputies, senators, state and public figures, renowned scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs from different nationalities have achieved success. The fact that about 2 thousand such people have been awarded high state orders and medals shows that human value is paramount.

The Role of Art and Regional Significance

Art serves as the most powerful force uniting different cultures. The President's initiative to create the professional ensemble 'Friendship' from representatives of different peoples is an important creative step in service of universal unity and cohesion. The model of Uzbekistan in matters of interethnic harmony plays a significant role not only within the country but also in strengthening the atmosphere of good neighborliness, openness, and mutual trust throughout the Central Asian region. The liberalization of movement and the expansion of economic and humanitarian ties testify to the realization of the eternal dreams of the peoples of the region.

Vision for Central Asia's Future

A Kazakh representative shared his opinion on regional friendship and the future: 'We well know that the peoples of Central Asia lived based on common goals since ancient times. In recent years, the opening of borders with neighboring countries and the establishment of free movement have strengthened the ties between our families and peoples. We have united on the path to a common future and goal.'

Peoples' Friendship Day is not just a holiday or an external formality, but a sacred human value that is a reliable guarantee of peace, freedom, and prosperity of our country. The unification of all representatives of different peoples around a common goal and the feeling of Motherland will play a key role in achieving the heights of New Uzbekistan.

In anticipation of the celebration of the 35th anniversary of independence, a joyful event took place in the village of Sirdaryo, in the Pakhtakor quarter. A new state preschool educational institution designed for 150 children was solemnly commissioned there.

Funding and Project Implementation

This project was implemented as part of the execution of the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated March 3, 2025, 'On measures for the active development of the socio-production infrastructure of the Syrdarya region.' 4 billion 600 million soums were allocated for the construction and equipping of the new kindergarten. As a result, a modern and spacious educational environment was created that meets all the necessary conditions for the comprehensive development of children.

Position of Local Authorities

The head of the Syrdarya district, Azizbek Turdimurodov, participated in the opening ceremony. He emphasized that the state policy on developing the system of preschool education and increasing the intellectual and spiritual potential of children is being consistently implemented in the country. Furthermore, he noted that the new kindergarten will ensure quality upbringing for children and create significant convenience for parents.

Infrastructure and Equipment

The institution is equipped with large and bright groups designed taking into account the age and interests of the children. It also has halls for music and physical culture, a medical office, a dining hall, and many rooms equipped with modern educational equipment. Modern playgrounds and green areas have been established in the district to ensure meaningful leisure and physical development for children.

Residents' Opinion and Conclusion

According to worker Bakhtiyor Kenjaev, the commissioning of the new institution in anticipation of Independence Day was a great gift for the residents of the quarter. He expressed great joy at the opportunity to see the conditions created for their children and grandchildren. Bakhtiyor Kenjaev added that the modern kindergarten has all the possibilities for receiving a quality education and achieving healthy, full development. He particularly noted that the educators are highly qualified specialists who approach child-rearing responsibly, and he expressed gratitude to the head of state for such care and attention.

The commissioning of the new kindergarten is an important step towards expanding coverage of preschool education in the quarter, creating a modern educational environment for children, and providing additional convenience for parents.