Melon Festival

The traditional melon Festival in Khiva was held from August 11 to 13, 2019 on the territory of the Ichan-Kala State Museum-Reserve.

In order to popularize the Khorezm melon and attract the attention of local and foreign tourists, it was decided to hold the traditional melon festival in Khiva every year in August (please specify the dates in advance).

The festival aims to increase the flow of tourists to the region, activate the ancient oasis experience in the region, popularize unique varieties and varieties of sweet melons and horticultural products (peaches, apples, grapes, pears, dried fruits and watermelons). In addition, concerts by folklore and ethnographic groups, performances by young pop performers, theatrical performances and craft exhibitions are organized during the festival.

Since ancient times, the Khorezm region has been famous as a region where a significant part of all known varieties of melons are grown. The Gurvak variety brought special fame to the region, after which the festival "Gurvak - the symbol of the melons of Khorezm" was named, which is held annually in Khiva as part of the implementation of the decree of the President of Uzbekistan PK-1940 dated March 20, 2013 "On the program for the development of tourism in the Khorezm region for 2013-2015".

On August 6 of this year, another trade exhibition will be held on the Kukhna Ark Square of the Ichan-Kala State Museum-Reserve, which will promote melon as a special melon crop among foreign tourists and residents of our country. Many people know about the beneficial properties of this product. Melon is loved not only for its delicate taste and fresh aroma, but also for its dietary properties and the benefits it brings to the human body.

In 100 grams. Melons contain 88.5 grams of water, 0.6 grams of protein, 7.4 grams of carbohydrates, as well as pectin fibers and organic acid. Melon contains up to 20 mg of vitamin C, which increases immunity and saves a person from all kinds of colds, improves digestion, intestinal microflora, helps to cleanse cholesterol and rejuvenate the body. It also contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper, iron, iodine, which have a beneficial effect on the skin and hair, are useful for the circulatory system, liver diseases, kidney and bladder stones, exhaustion and anemia, as well as atherosclerosis and some other cardiovascular diseases.

In addition, melon can boost mood, because it contains the substance serotonin, which promotes the production of the hormone of happiness. Melon also contains a lot of silicon, a mineral that is extremely useful for the connective tissue of the body, it strengthens hair and skin, strengthens vascular walls and nerve fibers. The events will include performances by folklore and ethnographic groups from the districts, young performers, and theatrical performances by the regional puppet theater and the Ogakhi Theater.