DUSHANBE, 02.04.2019. (NIAT Khovar) – The Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon attended the Tulip Festival (Sayri guli Lola) and a regional competition Flowers (Gulho). The festival took place in the Park of Culture and Recreation named after Kamoli Khujandi.

The contest Sayri Guli Lola is part of the historical tradition of the international Navruz celebration. The revival of the ancient tradition plays a significant role in instilling a love of nature and nurturing a sense of beauty among the population.

According to historians, in the territory of ancient Sogdiana and Bactria this event was celebrated with special grandeur. In other regions it was called the Holiday of Red Flowers.

In recent years, the Tulip Festival has become a staple event in communities, villages, cities, and districts of all regions.

Representatives of 18 cities and districts of Sughd attended the Tulip Festival as well as the Flowers competition.

Over 100 varieties of tulips and various types of decorative flowers were displayed at both events. Painters, engravers, flower growers and designers presented their handmade work involving tulips. The winners of the competition were awarded with certificates and cash prizes ranging from 1000 to 3000 somoni.

The Park of Culture and Recreation named after Kamoli Khujandi encompasses nine hectares, with more than 100,000 different plants and over 30 types of ornamental and evergreen trees.

President Emomali Rahmon also took part in the opening of the 1000-meter-long cableway connecting the Park of Culture and Recreation named after Kamoli Khujandi and the Ismoili Somoni Square over the river Sirdaryo. The cableway can simultaneously serve 160 people.

The festival National Dishes of Navruz was also held with the participation of President Emomali Rahmon. The festival was held in the Ismail Somoni Square, on the shore of Sirdaryo. The best chefs from all the cities and districts of the province gathered and presented 50 types of national dishes.

Following the event, President Emomali Rahmon launched the opening of the waterfront, two-story ship-styled restaurant Temurmalik, which houses a cafe with 100 seats, a restaurant with 200 seats, and also has a summer terrace.