Kyrgyzstan’s Cholpon-Ata Opens Doors to International Festival of Heritage and Music

Kyrgyzstan’s Cholpon-Ata city officially launched the international festival of traditional culture and music, “Rukh Sanat”.

While speaking at the opening ceremony, Kyrgyz Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev emphasized the festival’s role as a dynamic platform to build and strengthen cultural connections among nations, The Caspian Post reports per Kyrgyz media.

“I warmly welcome you to Kyrgyzstan - a land where the unparalleled epic Manas was born, where centuries-old epic tales, dastans, and poems continue to be performed; where the tradition of improvised singing flourishes; and where melodies that once graced the world’s grandest stages now resonate in the heart of the Ala-Too Mountain Range, along the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul,” Kasymaliev remarked.

He added, “Our nomadic heritage runs deep in our blood, culture, and history. Though we may differ in language and faith, music is a universal language that transcends borders. When a song, melody, or motif touches the soul and lingers in memory, it becomes truly folk - living forever in the hearts of the people.”

The Rukh Sanat Festival has attracted nearly 40 countries, showcasing a vibrant and diverse array of traditional music and culture.

The festival features three main components:

An international competition for traditional music performers,

An international scientific and practical congress, and

A special “Market” zone presenting a cultural fair of practices and innovative ideas.

The festival’s prize fund totals 3 million Kyrgyz soms ($34,305).