On May 7-8 this year, Surkhandarya region will host the International Folklore Festival “Boysun Bahori” (Baysun Spring).

According to the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On measures to organize and hold the International Folklore Festival “Boysun Bahori” of February 7 this year, the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan and other organizations are actively preparing for the festival.

The festival, which glorifies national values ​​and rich cultural heritage, will appear this year in a completely different form, corresponding to the new Uzbekistan. Priceless pearls of our cultural heritage have always nourished our people with spiritual food. Our wise ancestors sang of eternal values ​​such as kindness, humanism, and spiritual beauty.

The cultural event, which takes place in spring in the picturesque mountainous place of Baysun, has been given the status of an International Folklore Festival. Held every two years, the festival demonstrates not only samples of the national cultural heritage, but also introduces the folklore and intangible cultural wealth of the peoples of the world. This good initiative contributes to the preservation, development, and popularization of priceless samples of the fine arts of the nation, further increasing the interest of the younger generation in national folklore.

The revival at the initiative of the President of the country of the “Boysun Bahori” festival, which was held in the first years of independence, and was forgotten later, the creation of bakhshi art schools in the regions – all this demonstrates the great attention of the state to the preservation and development of folk art. Holding the festival itself in Baysun also has its deep meaning. In 2001, UNESCO included this beautiful mountain village, which has managed to preserve the spiritual-cultural heritage of its ancestors for centuries, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In May 2002, the first open folklore festival “Boysun Bahori” was held in Baysun, captivating with its natural beauty.

“Another feature of the international festival is that it calls on humanity to respect the folklore art of the peoples of the world”, says the deputy head of the region, a member of the organizing committee Jurabek Turayev. – As part of this art festival, competitions in national applied arts, national musical instruments and clothing, exhibitions of fine and applied arts, and ethnosport competitions will also be held. Age-old values ​​will be widely promoted. During the two days of the festival, spiritual communication between representatives of different peoples will take place, which will serve to strengthen international cultural cooperation and develop tourism.

The construction of the necessary infrastructure is underway in the open spaces of Padang. Vast areas are being landscaped, night lights are being installed. The water supply system is improving. The necessary conditions are being created for high-quality service in retail outlets and catering centers.

“Large-scale work is also being carried out on the territory adjacent to historical sites and holy places”, says Zebiniso Alimardonova, First Deputy Head of the Main Department of Tourism and Cultural Heritage of the region. – Modern hotels and guest houses are ready to receive distinguished guests, where visitors can get acquainted with the national customs and traditions of our people.

Experienced, masters of their craft, seamstresses, potters and other artisans will present unique handmade products at exhibitions within the framework of the festival. Their craftsmanship has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years.

“More than 300 artisans expressed their desire to participate in the exhibition”, says the head of the regional department of the Hunarmand Association, Muhayyo Jurayeva. – They will present more than a hundred types of national products. Our most experienced craftsmen are ready to conduct master classes in embroidery, carpet weaving, and pottery. As part of the exhibitions, a competition will be organized, worthy gifts await the winners.

Folklore and ethnographic ensembles, beloved folk bakhshis, are enthusiastically preparing for the prestigious festival.

“We are building additional stages, creating conditions for the performance of folklore groups, bakhshi, akyns on the squares where the festival will be held”, says the head of the regional department of culture Davron Boboyorov.

Scientific and creative conferences, workshops, roundtable discussions, festivities, concerts, and excursions to sightseeing places in the region will be held within the framework of the festival.

Kholmumin Mamatrayimov, UzA