Traditional Melon Festival took place at Ichan-Kala State Museum Reserve in Khiva from August 9 to 11. The opening ceremony of the festival was attended by the Chairman of the Tourism Committee, Umid Shadiev, the governor of the Khorezm province, Jurabek Rakhimov, as well as the public.
“The development of agrotourism has a direct impact on the development of the tourism industry. This festival, which is held annually during the melon ripening season, has become an international event over the past two years,” said Umid Shadiev.
60 pavilions were organized for the festival on 4 hectares. In them, the governor and mayor offices of Karakalpakstan, provinces and Tashkent city, as well as the mayor offices of 13 cities and districts of the Khorezm province presented fruits, vegetables and melons. The pavilions presented about 125 species of local melons, such as Gurvak, Kilichboy Beshak, Karikiz, Tuya kovun, Tuyona, Ola zamcha, Khorezm ok novvoti, Kuk gulobi, Borikalla. In addition, there were exhibitions of artisans, as well as performances of folklore groups.
At the end of the festival, the winners and prize-winners were awarded. Thus, the grand prix - a GM Tracker - was awarded to residents of Yangibazar district of Khorezm province. Urgench residents, who took the first place, received a GM Onix. Second place went to the Khiva district, who were awarded a GM Damas minivan. Third place was shared between the Urgench district, the Koshkupyr district and Khiva, who were awarded motorbikes.
