The President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, has instructed the inclusion of Tirgon Festival in the official list of holidays in the country.

The corresponding amendment to the Law on Holidays was previously adopted by the lower chamber (Majlisi Namoyandagon) of Tajikistan’s parliament and seconded by the upper chamber (Majlisi Milli) of parliament.

Currently, the list comprises 93 holidays, 12 of which are public holidays with non-working days.

Tirgon was revived and reintroduced as a national celebration in 2023 under the directive of the country’s leadership.

In summer 2023, the festival was celebrated in Tajikistan for the first time in modern history, featuring an apricot festival and a dried fruit exhibition. However, details on how the festival will be observed this year have yet to be announced.

Tirgon is an early summer ancient Iranian festival, celebrated annually on Tir 13 (July 2, 3, or 4).  It is celebrated by splashing water, dancing, reciting poetry, and serving traditional foods such as spinach soup and sholezard (a rice pudding composed of saffron, sugar, rose water, butter, cinnamon and cardamom).  The custom of tying rainbow-colored bands on wrists, which are worn for ten days and then thrown into a stream, is also a way to rejoice for children.

Tirgon is a vibrant Iranian festival that celebrates the essence of water and the spirit of unity. Since its revival in 2008, Tirgan.ca says, noting that since its revival in 2008, over 160,000 people have come together to honor this joyous occasion every two years.