This May, the ancient and unique land of Surkhandarya will host the International Folklore Festival “Baysun Spring”.
Preparations for this festival, which will bring together performers and masters of folk and ethnographic art from all over the world, are being carried out with a fresh perspective. The main events will take place at the modern tourist complex in Bibishirin mahalla, where all necessary conditions have been created for performances by folk and ethnographic groups, national sports games, and other cultural performances.
According to Deputy Hokim of Surkhandarya region and head of the regional tourism department Jurabek Turayev, “Our country has long been renowned for its unique national art, values, and traditions. We have created the perfect environment for showcasing the creativity and art that our people have preserved for centuries, and for introducing them to the world. Our goal is to make the festival, which will take place from May 1-7 in the heart of the mountains, even more attractive, to share the festive atmosphere with locals and foreign guests, and to increase the tourism potential of the oasis. We are committed to promoting the rich program of folk and ethnographic groups, national sports games, and various cultural performances, as well as showcasing the talents of both domestic and international performers who will participate in the festival’s review-competition. Our aim is to hold this grand event at a high artistic level.”
The first day of the festival will also include an international scientific and practical conference in Termez. The program will also feature an exhibition of traditional dishes and handicrafts, concerts by regional folk groups, and a drone show. Special attention will be given to performances by folklorists from Tashkent.
Other activities planned for the festival include a cycling marathon through the Khojamaykhana shrine in the mountainous region, as well as organized trips to tourist sites such as the healing spring of Omonkhona, the shrines of Khoja Sultan Vali, Kamari Aziz, and Khojakuchkar-ata, and recreational areas like Zovboshi and Qizil Canyon. There will also be kite flying and competitions in traditional sports such as tug-of-war, kurash, and ulak-kupkari.
So far, renowned folk ensembles from the United Kingdom, Belgium, Israel, Russia, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Romania, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and India have expressed their interest in participating in the international competition. Applications are still being accepted.
Kholmumin Mamatraimov, UzA