Harvest Festival in Turkmenistan
One of the oldest folk festivals in Turkmenistan is Hasyl Bayramy — also known simply as the “Day of Revival” in English. This harvest festival celebrates the rich history of this Central Asian country, and it does so through a variety of diverse traditions that provide an unforgettable experience not only for the local population but for anyone who visits the country.
Turkmenistan (Observance)As is the case with all harvest festivals, this one celebrates the end of the agricultural season and proudly exhibits the agricultural technology and products of the country. Although Turkmenistan’s agricultural land is approximately 96% desert pasture, the country is capable of growing a variety of plants and fruits thanks to aggressive irrigation.
The most significant crops in Turkmenistan are wheat and cotton, but the country also grows sugarcane, citrus fruits, olives, dates, melons, and pomegranates. This festival is usually observed every year on the second Sunday of November.
The History of the Harvest Festival (Hasyl Bayramy) in Turkmenistan
The roots of this harvest festival go back hundreds, if not thousands, of years in Turkmenistan. However, the festival itself is more of a 20th-century invention that occurred as a way for the people of the country to reconnect with its rich cultural and historical heritage.
In 1925, Turkmenistan became a constituent republic of the Soviet Union and was renamed the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic (Turkmen SSR). As part of the Soviet Union, this Central Asian republic had to endure a period of cultural suppression and, ultimately, assimilation.
Many of the country’s festivals, folk customs, and cultural practices were discouraged or outlawed under the Soviet system. These pieces of the country’s identity were then replaced with Soviet ideology and iconography.
In 1991, Turkmenistan gained independence from the former Soviet Union and was able to rediscover its cultural identity once again. This resulted in a renewed sense of unity and a desire to rekindle a sense of national identity. Hasyl Bayramy was the natural result of this cultural renaissance.
It literally means “Day of Revival,” which is a perfect expression of the country’s optimism for the future and the excitement they felt for reconnecting with their culture. Over the years, Hasyl Bayramy has grown in both scale and significance in Turkmenistan.
It has managed to attract artists, musicians, and craftsmen from all across the country. This has led to an increase in the number of displays and exhibitions that are presented to the public.
Observing the Harvest Festival (Hasyl Bayramy) in Turkmenistan
The Harvest Festival in Turkmenistan has become a way for the country to showcase its unique culture. It shows the talent of its people and the achievements of its artists. It is also a way to showcase the country’s agricultural efforts.
As a result, there is plenty to do at this festival. There are art, music, traditional dance, and exhibitions that highlight the country’s agricultural products and technology. On the internet, word of this holiday can be spread by using the hashtags #HarvestFestivalTurkmenistan or #HasylBayramy.
Turkmenistan (Observance)
