Ashgabat — Turkmenistan celebrated its annual Harvest Festival, highlighting the country’s agricultural achievements and honoring farmers’ contributions to national food security. The event took place along the scenic Karakum Canal, where authorities established a traditional ethnic village to host cultural and culinary activities.
The venue featured exhibitions of agricultural produce from across the country, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. Visitors sampled traditional dishes such as pilaf, gutab, chorwa, and tamdyrlama, all prepared on-site. Chefs demonstrated cooking techniques and shared culinary traditions, allowing guests to experience authentic Turkmen flavors firsthand.
Cultural Activities and Traditional Competitions Engage Visitors
Moreover, organizers arranged cultural performances and traditional sports to enrich the celebration. A sand arena hosted kurash wrestling competitions, where skilled palvans competed intensely for prizes, including a camel and a lamb. Spectators actively supported their favorites, creating an energetic atmosphere.
In addition, guests enjoyed boat rides along the canal, while hosts welcomed visitors with bread and salt at the village entrance. A Turkmen Alabai dog named Yolbars also attracted attention, charming attendees and visiting dignitaries.
Honors and Recognition Highlight Agricultural Contributions
Meanwhile, officials recognized outstanding contributions within the agricultural sector. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received an Akhal-Teke horse named Keremli as a symbolic gesture of appreciation from farmers. Furthermore, a ceremony at the Agricultural University honored top agrarians.
By presidential decree, authorities awarded twenty workers the “For Love of the Homeland” medal, while twenty-five others received valuable gifts. The event concluded with a cultural concert featuring traditional music and dance, reinforcing national heritage.
