03:07The unique Kyrgyz Kochu festival marking the annual migration of nomadic herders and their flock from the high summer pastures to winter in the lowlands was held in the pasture of the Naryn region's At-Bashy district on Saturday.
The footage shows mounted festival participants arriving at traditional dwellings called yurts as visitors were listening to traditional music as well as learning ancient crafts and tasting national cuisine.
According to festival organiser Bakytbek Turdubaev, the event aims to preserve and develop Kyrgyz nomadic culture.
"[Nomadism] is not just about moving from one place to another. It's an expression of your individuality, an expression of your skills, an expression of your creative identity," he explained.
Talking about the traditions of the Kyrgyz people, Turdubayev stressed that the end of nomadic migration is a good time and 'a good omen' to start a family, adding that for this reason 'it includes ceremonial activities such as weddings and engagements'.
The Kyrgyz Kochu Festival was organised by the At-Bashy District State Administration and the Tenir-Too Tourism Association. The aim of the festival is to promote environmental awareness among the population, popularise national culture and strengthen the role of tourism in the country's economy.
Mount up! Kyrgyzstan celebrates nomadic culture at Kochu Festival
The unique Kyrgyz Kochu festival marking the annual migration of nomadic herders and their flock from the high summer pastures to winter in the lowlands was held in the pasture of the Naryn region's At-Bashy district on Saturday.
The footage shows mounted festival participants arriving at traditional dwellings called yurts as visitors were listening to traditional music as well as learning ancient crafts and tasting national cuisine.
According to festival organiser Bakytbek Turdubaev, the event aims to preserve and develop Kyrgyz nomadic culture.
"[Nomadism] is not just about moving from one place to another. It's an expression of your individuality, an expression of your skills, an expression of your creative identity," he explained.
Talking about the traditions of the Kyrgyz people, Turdubayev stressed that the end of nomadic migration is a good time and 'a good omen' to start a family, adding that for this reason 'it includes ceremonial activities such as weddings and engagements'.
The Kyrgyz Kochu Festival was organised by the At-Bashy District State Administration and the Tenir-Too Tourism Association. The aim of the festival is to promote environmental awareness among the population, popularise national culture and strengthen the role of tourism in the country's economy.
The unique Kyrgyz Kochu festival marking the annual migration of nomadic herders and their flock from the high summer pastures to winter in the lowlands was held in the pasture of the Naryn region's At-Bashy district on Saturday.
The footage shows mounted festival participants arriving at traditional dwellings called yurts as visitors were listening to traditional music as well as learning ancient crafts and tasting national cuisine.
According to festival organiser Bakytbek Turdubaev, the event aims to preserve and develop Kyrgyz nomadic culture.
"[Nomadism] is not just about moving from one place to another. It's an expression of your individuality, an expression of your skills, an expression of your creative identity," he explained.
Talking about the traditions of the Kyrgyz people, Turdubayev stressed that the end of nomadic migration is a good time and 'a good omen' to start a family, adding that for this reason 'it includes ceremonial activities such as weddings and engagements'.
The Kyrgyz Kochu Festival was organised by the At-Bashy District State Administration and the Tenir-Too Tourism Association. The aim of the festival is to promote environmental awareness among the population, popularise national culture and strengthen the role of tourism in the country's economy.