CONGRATULATION FROM DALER SATORI ABDUMANSUR, DIRECTOR OF THE STATE INSTITUTION “AGRICULTURE ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT” ON THE OCCASION OF OUR ANCESTORS’ HOLIDAY, “MEHRGON”

The Mehrgon holiday is among the most glorious of our ancestors’ festivals, dating back to ancient times. Along with Sada, Nowruz and Tirgan, this holiday is part of festivals associated with the agrarian civilization of our ancestors and celebrated by farmers to summarize their hard-earned harvest.

Despite political, cultural and religious conflicts, the Mehrgon holiday of our ancestors has managed to maintain its social prestige and status from the distant past to the present day. After all, Mehrgon, like Nowruz, Sada and Tirgan embodies the traditions of a stage in the development of human civilization that all humanity has experienced at various times. So, many traditions of these holidays have been accepted by all mankind in a spirit of goodwill and are considered an integral part of universal civilization.

The origin, spread and glorification of Mehrgon have been discussed by prominent thinkers of the East and West. According to their writings, Mehrgon is a holiday that brings people purity and abundance, sustenance, a rich and blessed home, satisfaction and joy; it is the shining glory of our ancestors. The works of the great scholars and cultural figures of our ancestors — Abu Abdullah Rudaki, Abu al-Qasim Ferdowsi, Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, Omar Khayyam, Borbadi Marvazi, and Unsuri — contain valuable facts about Mehrgon, conveying to us unique information with the utmost reverence and inspiration, with admiration and respect for the customs and traditions, their greatness and glory.

Tajikistan independence ushered in a new era for revival of national customs and traditions, including the Mehrgon holiday, and breathed new life into them. The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan continually strives to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, customs and traditions of our ancestors through state events.

In the modern world, along with other threats to humanity, the threat of food shortages is increasing, making ensuring food security in our country of paramount importance. This compels us to take concrete measures in this direction and implement them as soon as possible.

As the Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, our President Emomali Rahmon noted in one of his speeches: “The Tajik people, with their ancient traditions, customs and rich culture, have made a worthy contribution to world civilization. Good customs and traditions, as well as national holidays such as Nowruz, Mehrgon, and Sada, have throughout history made a valuable contribution to the moral and spiritual development of society.”

Mehrgon is a festival celebrating the harvest, abundance, joy and triumph, friendship and camaraderie, unity, affection and loyalty. Considering that Mehrgon is one of the three most famous and celebrated holidays of the Tajik and Persian peoples, and its origin, development, and subsequent evolution are primarily linked to agricultural activities and the daily lives of people of that culture and era, by order of the country President, this ancient holiday is celebrated annually in October with particular pomp and splendor as a national public holiday.

According to the ancient historical sources, on this day, our ancestors wore festive purple garments and congratulated each other with best wishes.

The Mehrgon festive table was also set with a purple tablecloth. It was adorned with candles, sweets and local delicacies; pleasant aromas such as rose, mint, amber and saffron filled the air, all testifying to the noble virtues, refined taste and rich spiritual culture of the Tajik people. In short, Mehrgon emerged with development of agriculture and introduction of the agricultural calendar and is a harvest festival and a manifestation of the farmers’ hard work. According to the Head of State, the holiday has a deeper meaning than just fun, and celebrating each important date in life should encourage us to reflect and draw conclusions for the future.

So, holding regular events to improve the situation in the agricultural sector, find solutions to problems and ensure its sustainable development is considered one of the strategic national goals – achieving food security and, most importantly, self-sufficiency in Tajikistan’s food supply.

Happy Mehrgon, dear compatriots!