Ashgabat hosted a lighting ceremony at the country's main Christmas tree, traditionally preceding events in honor of the arrival of the New Year holiday.

By tradition, the green beauty, crowned with an eight-pointed star and the numbers 2022, is installed in the center of the fairytale town, created on the square in front of the Alem (Universe) cultural and entertainment center, where New Year's celebrations are held annually. The height of the country's main Christmas tree is 38 and a half meters, its diameter is 16 meters.

Ayaz Baba (Father Frost) and his granddaughter Garpamyk (Snow Maiden), who arrived at the New Year tree in a snow-white phaeton, accompanied by an escort of horsemen, took part in the lighting ceremony. The culminating moment of the ceremony came when the beautiful Christmas tree sparkled with myriads of bright lights, announcing the imminent arrival of a magical, cheerful and kind holiday. Then a festive concert was held here, and all the children who took part in the New Year's performance received gifts from the President of Turkmenistan.

Following the green beauty in the capital, other New Year trees installed in the velayats (regions), as well as in the centers of cities and villages of the country, sparkled with colorful lights.

Source: Turkmenistan.ru