Early in the morning on January 2, Turkmen schoolchildren gathered together at the square in front of the Palace of Children and Youth in the Turkmen capital, from where they headed to a beautiful corner of our country - Geokdere settlement for the winter holidays. The students of the Palace of Children and Youth prepared a colorful musical programme for them. The main heroes of the New Year's holiday - Ayazbaba and Garpamyk and the other fairy-tale heroes together with children sang and danced near the New Year's tree. Then, festively decorated buses drove the children to Ayazbaba's winter residence.

According to the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the rich programme of the New Year's events is prepared for the young holiday-makers. Among them are concerts with participation of famous in our country musical groups, educational and entertaining games and contests.

The contests for the best New Year's costume, the stage impersonation of Ayazbaba and Garpamyk, the art contest will be held with assistance of Magtymguly Youth Organization and the National Trade Union Centre of Turkmenistan. Children will play in performances based on the novel by the President of Turkmenistan "Dovlet Gushi".

The programme also includes the trips around the Turkmen capital, visits to the National Museum of Wildlife, Alem and Children's World Cultural and Entertainment Centres. The young holiday-makers will also enjoy the performances to be organized for them at the State Circus and State Puppet Theatre.

Children will also take part in the educational events and games aimed at improving the Turkmen, Russian and English language skills. The competitions in various sports, including table tennis, chess and checkers, duzzum national game will be organized in the health-improving centres in Geokdere in cooperation with the State Committee for Sport.