This year, the city of Dushanbe will mark the ancient harvest festival Mehrgon on October 19, with the main festivities taking place at the Abulqosym Firdavsi Park of Culture and Recreation.
According to Tajikistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, the celebration will feature a large agricultural fair and exhibition, showcasing local produce and farming equipment.
Among the highlights:
- Beekeepers' Festival with honey tastings and sales
- Apple and Grape Celebration
- "Pilaf" and Rice Fair
- Melon, Watermelon, and Pumpkin Festival
Agricultural workers and community activists who have contributed to the sector and helped organize the festival will be honored with certificates, letters of appreciation, and commemorative gifts from the ministry.
A cultural and entertainment program is also planned to enhance the festive atmosphere for attendees.
An ancient festival with UNESCO recognition
In December 2024, during the 19th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Paraguay, Mehrgon was officially added to the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The nomination was jointly submitted by Tajikistan and Iran.
Mehrgon is one of the oldest agrarian festivals among Persian-speaking peoples. Traditionally held in autumn, it expresses gratitude to nature for a bountiful harvest. The celebration was officially revived in Tajikistan in 2009 and has since been observed annually across the country.
Mehrgon (Mehregan in Persian) is a popular Iranian festival that is celebrated in the autumn of every year. It aims to celebrate the Persian culture and is a tribute to the season of Fall (the harvesting season). It was reportedly originally a feast honoring the Persian god Mithra (modern Mehr).
In Tajikistan, Mehrgon is celebrated as a post-harvest thanksgiving festival, emphasizing shared customs such as feasting, music, and community gatherings.
Farmers and gardeners are key participants, reflecting the festival’s agrarian roots. The event is also an important occasion for social cohesion, bringing together people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds to foster mutual respect and solidarity.
Iranian media reports say that in Iran, Mehregan is celebrated primarily within Zoroastrian communities, as well as in rural Muslim ceremonies. The festival involves diverse rituals, including the recitation of Zoroastrian sacred texts, the setting of a traditional tablecloth adorned with seasonal foods, and the preparation of special dishes.
Music, local wrestling, and communal feasts are integral parts of the celebrations. In urban centers, the festival is less common but remains significant in specific regions such as northern Iran and among Zoroastrian communities in provinces like Yazd, Fars, and Tehran.
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