President Emomali Rahmon Congratulates Nation on Ancient Mehrgon Festival
Dushanbe, The Gulf Observer: President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the people of Tajikistan and compatriots living abroad on the occasion of Mehrgon, the country’s ancient traditional festival celebrating the autumn harvest, abundance and the blessings of nature.
In his congratulatory message, President Rahmon highlighted the festival’s deep historical roots, noting that Mehrgon originated from the natural cycles of the seasons and agricultural traditions, particularly crop cultivation. Celebrated during the golden autumn and harvest season, the festival has been observed by ancestors for thousands of years as a symbol of abundant harvests and prosperity.
The president said that throughout its long history, Mehrgon had remained an enduring symbol of cultural awareness, respect for farmers’ hard work, the wise use of natural resources, gratitude for autumn’s blessings, and friendship and love among people.
Rahmon described the annual celebration of Mehrgon in independent Tajikistan as a source of national pride and a valuable legacy inherited from the country’s ancient civilisation. He noted that the festival had become an important component of cultural identity and the revival of historical traditions.
He further emphasised that the ancient national festivals of Navruz, Tirgon, Mehrgon and Sada had helped present the Tajik people internationally as a nation with a rich cultural heritage, an ancient civilisation and distinctive folk traditions.
According to the president, studying and preserving the legacy of previous generations had played a significant role in safeguarding Tajikistan’s cultural identity and strengthening national consciousness, patriotism and respect for the homeland, particularly among young people and adolescents.
Rahmon stressed the need to connect ancient national traditions, including Mehrgon, more closely with contemporary life and transform them into drivers of progress in culture, science, education, tourism, traditional crafts and the national economy.
He called for modern and innovative presentations of farmers’ traditions, agricultural culture, fresh and environmentally friendly products, healthy food, the contribution of farmers to food security, and achievements in domestic agricultural science during Mehrgon celebrations.
The president also underlined that, in the current stage of Tajikistan’s national development, Mehrgon should become a symbol of appreciation for nature’s gifts, the rational use of natural resources, the expansion of high-quality domestic production, and the introduction of modern agricultural methods and advanced technologies.
Emphasising the importance of public awareness, Rahmon called for national festivals and traditional ceremonies to receive more engaging and effective coverage through electronic media and social networks.
He added that Mehrgon and other traditional celebrations could serve as platforms for intercultural dialogue, the promotion of peace and stability, the international presentation of Tajikistan’s ancient culture, and the strengthening of friendly relations between Tajikistan and other countries.
Expressing confidence in the Tajik people’s commitment to preserving their heritage, the president said that citizens would continue enriching ancestral traditions with constructive contemporary values and making effective use of available opportunities to promote the country’s national history and culture.
Rahmon described Mehrgon as a source of national pride and patriotism, stressing that its celebrations should make a meaningful contribution to strengthening national identity and fostering patriotic values among younger generations.
Concluding his message, the president once again congratulated the hardworking people of Tajikistan and compatriots abroad on the historic and cultural festival, wishing every household peace, tranquillity, good fortune and prosperity.
“Happy Mehrgon, our dear compatriots!” he said.
