The festival is an event organized to represent the rich musical traditions of the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan. The main goal of the festival is to promote, popularize and transmit to youth the Bukhara traditional style of drum performances. Traditional Uzbek drums and percussion instruments form the rhythmic heartbeat of Central Asian music. Doira - the most ubiquitous Uzbek percussion instrument, considered one of the oldest percussion instruments. It is a musical instrument used in the ritual ceremonies of the Uzbek people. It consists of a round wooden hoop with a tightly stretched animal skin on one side and dozens of small metal rings attached to the inner frame. The player hits the membrane for deep bass and sharp slaps while shaking the instrument to produce a melodic, tambourine-like chime. It was originally played by women at weddings, but by the end of the 18th century, men became the dominant players, and the doira became a smaller and heavier instrument used for dances. The Uzbek doira instrument can even be used as a solo instrument today. During the festival, ICH bearers from local community will have an opportunity to participate and demonstrate their drum performing art. Festival program also includes master classes for youth and round table on public-private partnership for ICH safeguarding activities.

Programme

The festival will start with ceremonial procession along historical center of Bukhara. Drum performances of ICH bearers will start after formal opening ceremony to be followed by master-classes and round table of experts. The festival will be concluded with certificates awarding ceremony.

Venue: Kukeldash Madrasah (located in the Lyabi-Hauz Architectural Complex), Bukhara

Date and start time: 10^th October 2026, at 09:00 AM (GMT+5)

Free entrance

09:00-10:00 Festive procession of festival participants

Festival participants will process along ancient streets of the Historic Center of Bukhara (UNESCO World Heritage site).

10:00-10:20 Official opening of the festival

Welcome and congratulatory speeches by distinguished guests, organizers, and representatives of the local communities

10:20-11:30 Contest among leading doira players

Performances by masters and mentors of the Bukhara doira schools

11:30-12:30 Contest among young doira players

Performances among students of the Bukhara doira school

12:30-13:00 Joint session

Joint performances by masters and students of the Bukhara doira school

13:00-13:30 Awarding ceremony, closing

Text as provided by the organiser(s).