The 20th Delphic Games for youth from Commonwealth of Independent States member countries began in Dushanbe on Oct. 5 and will continue through Oct. 9, the Ministry of Culture of Tajikistan told NIAT Khovar.

Participants from nine countries are showcasing their talents in categories including piano, violin, visual arts, wind instruments, vocal performances — classical, traditional and pop — and folk dance.

The Delphic Games aim to identify talented young people, encourage creative activity, promote the aesthetic and spiritual development of youth, and preserve and promote national cultural values.

The history of the Delphic Games dates to 582 B.C., when they were known as the Pythian Games. The ancient games were banned more than 1,600 years ago and revived in the early 20th century. A Delphic festival was held in Greece from 1927 to 1930.

A new era of the Delphic Games began in 2000, when the first World Delphic Games were held in Russia, attracting participants from 27 countries. A total of 938 participants competed in 18 categories, with judges from 13 countries.

To date, 19 Delphic Games for youth from Commonwealth of Independent States member countries have been held.