KHIVA, August 8. /Dunyo/. The international “Melon Festival – 2026” (“Qovun sayli”) is being held in Khiva, bringing together Khorezm’s traditional melon-growing heritage, national culture, gastronomy and tourism, reports Dunyo IA correspondent from the scene.

The event is organized by the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan jointly with the Khorezm regional khokimiyat and the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan.

Now an annual event in Khorezm Region, the festival aims to promote melon growing as an integral part of Uzbekistan’s national heritage, preserve traditional values and showcase the region’s tourism potential.

As part of the festival, international tourists and visitors from various regions of Uzbekistan are introduced to more than 100 varieties of Khorezm melons. Guests can also explore exhibitions of national cuisine and handicrafts, enjoy performances by folklore groups and watch theatrical presentations depicting episodes from the region’s history.

Particular attention is being paid to supporting local producers. The festival features 22 themed pavilions where all districts of Khorezm Region, along with leading farming enterprises, showcase their products, traditional melon varieties and modern cultivation methods.

The competition program includes five main categories: high quality and preservation of harvested melons; best exporter; revival of ancient Khorezm melon varieties and introduction of innovative technologies; high production profitability; and cultivation of the sweetest and most environmentally friendly melons.

Representatives of the tourism industry, diplomatic corps, media, bloggers, content creators and foreign guests are participating in the festival. International participants include representatives from Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and other countries.

A press tour has been organized for media representatives and content creators, providing an opportunity to explore Khorezm’s tourism potential, melon-growing traditions and prospects for agritourism.

The gastronomic program introduces guests to traditional Uzbek cuisine, including shivit oshi, gumma and traditional Khorezm bread. Cultural and entertainment programs, folk games and sporting competitions have also been organized.

Thus, the “Melon Festival – 2026” demonstrates how centuries-old Khorezm melon-growing traditions are becoming part of a modern tourism offering, contributing to the promotion of the region’s cultural heritage and tourism potential.

The festival will continue through August 9.