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.
