Neighbourliness Day, being annually observed in Turkmenistan on first Sunday of December, started in the capital with traditional welcoming ceremony of the residents of Ashgabat and Akhal province at the eastern gates of the city. Hoary with age representatives of elder generation with their grandchildren, workers of culture and art, the youth were among participants. According to ancient Turkmen custom, having greeted each other, the solemnity participants exchanged with bread and salt, treated each other with national dishes, sweeties and fruits. Here, it was held a concert with participation of well-known variety and folk performers, folklore and dance groups of the capital and province.


Ancient Turkmen custom “gongshy okara” is the basis of Neighbourliness Day. According to it, every person in his everyday life strives to share food with close neighbours. This custom contains centuries-old tradition of high human relations, being expressed in mutual understanding, cordiality and friendship, moral and material support.

This evening, solemnities in the capital were continued with variety performance in the State Circus of Turkmenistan. Festive events also took place in all regions of the country, where it was organized the performances of song-music and dance groups, exchange of delegations and other social and entertaining actions.