Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As part of the 10th International Cultural and Educational Forum “Children of the Commonwealth,” held this year in Belarus, Uzbekistan Day was celebrated with great success. Participants from various CIS countries were introduced to the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and identity of the Uzbek people, according to BELTA.

The national day featured a vibrant and dynamic program: performances of traditional songs and dances, a showcase of folk costumes representing regional symbols, games, and workshops. Guests were especially captivated by the sound of the doyra — an ancient musical instrument symbolic of Uzbek folklore — and the recitation of poetry in the Uzbek language.

According to Uzbek participant Ominabonu Abdurakhimova, each performance reflected the unique culture and spirit of her homeland. “Our costumes are adorned with traditional patterns — mine, for example, features motifs from Samarkand. We strive to show just how multifaceted and colorful our culture is,” she shared.

MuhammadYusuf Ismailjanov, a representative of the Uzbek delegation, noted the warm welcome and friendliness of their Belarusian peers. “It’s very cozy here, the food is delicious — I especially liked the draniki and fish-stuffed pancakes. The kids are genuinely interested in our country, they approach us, introduce themselves, try to remember our names. That means a lot,” he said.

The forum also served as a platform for personal exchange. Ominabonu spoke about how the sports activities and meeting with professional athletes the day before had inspired her to set new goals, despite having to leave professional sports due to an injury.

During the official part of the event, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Belarus, Rakhmatulla Nazarov, delivered a speech. He emphasized the historical closeness of the Central Asian peoples and the importance of shared values and memory. “Uzbekistan and Belarus are united by a common history, including the heroism of our peoples during the Great Patriotic War. Every third Uzbek went to the front, and many fought on Belarusian soil, giving their lives for Victory,” the ambassador noted.

The 2025 “Children of the Commonwealth” forum is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and is held under the slogan “Memory and Unity of Generations.” Schoolchildren from Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are participating in the event.

The forum is organized by the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS, the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus, and the Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund of the CIS Member States.