Neighborhood Day in Turkmenistan (04/12)

Following the traditional ideas of the East about the role of its neighbor in life, Turkmenistan celebrates Good Neighborhood Day every first Sunday in December. The holiday is a state and at the same time national celebration. It appeared in the calendar of holidays in the country after the establishment of independence.

The value of friendship and the role of a neighbor in life is repeatedly emphasized in Turkmen folklore (sayings and proverbs), as well as in the sayings of the revered sages of antiquity.

By establishing the holiday, the country's leadership sought to emphasize the value of not only everyday and everyday relations between people living next to each other, but also tried to transfer the old and wise truth about good neighborliness to politics. The establishment of good neighborly relations with border states, as well as other countries, is at the forefront of the policy of neutrality followed by Turkmenistan.

Ceremonial events take place on the first Sunday of December in all velayats of the country. Concerts and performances of folklore vocal and dance groups, sports competitions, festive festivities, and theatrical performances are held in city squares. Right here, everyone can taste a variety of traditional cuisine.

In houses, the constant tradition remains the meeting of guests and a festive table with national dishes of Turkmen cuisine. Treat and good conversation at the festive table help bring people closer together, strengthening friendly and friendly relations between them. The inability to visit neighbors or invite someone to visit is easily compensated by sending them treats. It is not without reason that since ancient times, Turkmens prepared lunch in quantities larger than all family members required, because a guest could always enter the house, and treating it was considered a good deed.

The President of the country addresses the citizens of Turkmenistan with a congratulatory speech, emphasizing in it the loyalty to the tradition of good neighborly relations inherent in the Turkmen people.

Organizing such events and holding a holiday contribute to the unity of society from the inside, instilling a willingness to come to the aid of a loved one and a neighbor in trouble or simply in a difficult situation. For the younger generation, Good Neighborhood Day – is an opportunity to pay special attention to the older generation, instilling respect for elders, as well as a good example of preserving the national culture and rich traditions of the people of Turkmenistan.

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