Congratulatory message from the Chairman of the Majlisi Milli of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan and Mayor of Dushanbe, Mr Rustami Emomali, on the occasion of Mehrgon

Dear compatriots! Hardworking residents of the capital!

I sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of the ancient festival of Mehrgon, which also coincides with the Day of Agricultural Workers. Mehrgon is one of the oldest festivals of the Tajik people and symbolises fertility, abundance, blessing and respect for creative human labour.

Alongside the rich national traditions of Navruz, Tirgon and Sada, it stems from the high culture of our ancestors and was revived during the years of independence on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Leader of the Nation, Mr Emomali Rahmon. Today it is celebrated as an important part of our people's spiritual and cultural heritage.

Mehrgon calls on us to value the work of farmers, use nature's bounty wisely, protect national values and strengthen national self-awareness. Preserving such ancestral traditions and passing them on to future generations is therefore a proud duty of each of us.

Taking this opportunity, I once again congratulate all compatriots, Tajiks living abroad, and the farmers and agricultural workers of the country on Mehrgon and the Day of Agricultural Workers, and wish every household health, happiness, an abundant table and a prosperous, peaceful life.