On October 15, 2026, F.S. Murodova, an assistant at the Department of propaedeutics of children's diseases at the SI “Avicenna Tajik State Medical University”, held an open lesson titled "Mehrgon -An Ancient Tajik Festival." The session was attended by department staff and students from the 2^nd group of the 2-year bachelor’s program in the Faculty of Medicine. The presentation was prepared by the students of the aforementioned group.

        The Mehrgon festival is one of the oldest celebrations of the Persian and Tajik peoples, serving as a festival of friendship and kindness among people. It is held on the 16^th day of the month of Mehr, a day known as "Day of Mehr." It is mentioned in historical sources as Mitrakona or Mitra and has a history spanning four thousand years.

      This holiday emerged with the development of agricultural activity and the introduction of an agrarian calendar. Mehrgon is primarily a harvest festival, celebrated at the beginning of the autumn season and spanning the period from September 23 to October 22. During this time, farmers would begin the grain harvest. According to ancient legends, it was on this day that Shah Fereydun defeated Zahhak and imprisoned him on Mount Damavand. On this occasion, people would write letters to one another, exchange greetings, and give gifts. The first five days constituted a public holiday known as “Mehrgoni Omma” (or the "lesser" Mehrgon), while the sixth day served as an official celebration observed by the king and his courtiers, known as «Mehrgoni Bulghur».

      In accordance with Decree No. 538 of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, dated August 5, 2009, the Mehrgon festival is celebrated with great splendor throughout the country. In anticipation of this significant day, cotton growers, grain farmers, horticulturists, and livestock breeders are working with redoubled zeal, making a valuable contribution to the development of the economy of the Tajik state. Given that Mehrgon is one of the three renowned and celebrated holidays of the Tajik and Persian peoples with its origins, evolution, and ongoing development linked primarily to agricultural pursuits and the way of life of a cultured society this ancient festival is observed annually on October 8^th as a national holiday, in accordance with the directive of the champion of peace and unity, the Leader of the Nation, and President of the country, Emomali Rahmon.

      According to the views and beliefs of our ancestors, Mehrgon was celebrated on the first day of the month of Mehr, marking the beginning of autumn. It embodies a cosmic balance during this period, day and night are of equal length which is why this month was named Mehr. In keeping with the traditions of our ancestors, numerous ceremonies were held during Mehrgon; in ancient times, the majority of people were engaged in agriculture, making the post-harvest season an ideal time for farmers to celebrate and rest. Ultimately, the revival of the national holiday of Mehrgon is highly timely, ensuring that it can be passed down from one generation to the next.

     Department of propaedeutics of children's diseases