The 3rd International Melodies of the World Festival will be held in the city of Khanabad, Andijan region, from August 15 to 17 this year. Preparations for this event are already underway.

“Renowned vocalists from various countries and pop stars from Uzbekistan are expected to participate in the Melodies of the World Festival”, said Acting Hokim of Khanabad, Elyorbek Kholmirzayev. “We plan to hold this festival annually to strengthen our country’s international standing in the world of art”.

Based on last year’s experience, a large area in Kampirovot mahalla was selected as the main venue for the festival’s events. Five hectares of land have been asphalted. It is now a tourist street that will operate around the clock.

The street will feature green zones, pedestrian paths, cafés, shops, and other service facilities. A children’s playground and a library have already been completed.

“A small, modern library has been built and commissioned at the initiative of the regional hokim”, said Durdona Khasanova, an employee of the Information and Library Center of Khanabad. “The library has received over a thousand books. All necessary conditions have been created here for both visitors and tourists. One can enjoy reading and spend their free time in a meaningful way”.

A tourist zone is being developed along this street, covering an area of 98 hectares. It will include an artificial lake, a hotel, an amphitheater, and sports grounds.

Active work is underway on the construction of the artificial lake. More than 60 pieces of equipment and over 100 builders and specialists are involved in this significant project. Completion is scheduled for May next year.

A special stage with night lighting will be installed in the square where the main events of the festival will take place.

As part of the festival, several events will be held in the central Alisher Navoi Park of Culture and Recreation.

The park territory has been assigned to various districts and cities. Each district and city is decorating its designated section in a national style, taking into account the historical traditions and unique characteristics of its region. Exhibitions  of national costumes and handicrafts are being organized.

“At the exhibition, we will showcase national costumes such as Uzbek skullcaps and women’s vests”, said Ikhtiyorbek Mirzaakhmedov, an entrepreneur from Jalaquduk district. “Our goal is to promote national clothing among festival participants and visitors”.

During the festival days, Alisher Navoi Central Park of Culture and Recreation will host performances by artistic ensembles, concert programs featuring well-known artists, national games, tightrope walking shows, folklore groups, handicraft exhibitions, kurash wrestling competitions, a pilaf cooking contest, an agricultural products exhibition, and trade fairs.

Under the leadership of Andijan Region Hokim Shukhratbek Abdurakhmanov, a headquarters has been established to manage the organizational aspects of the festival. Work is underway to prepare interpreters, volunteers, and guides to ensure high-quality services for participants and guests.

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Fakhriddin Ubaydullayev, photos by Zuhriddin Umrzoqov, UzA