On October 19, 2024, the scenic Iram Botanical Garden in Dushanbe hosted a lively and unforgettable event, the Secret of Six Tastes festival, in celebration of World Food Day. The event brought together over 150 attendees, including children, their parents, and representatives from international organizations and diplomatic missions. The festival’s central theme was the importance of the right to food as a cornerstone for improving the quality of life and ensuring a brighter future. Organized by the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Russian Social and Industrial Foodservice Institute (SIFI), this event had both celebration and education at its heart.
Celebration of flavor and health
The Secret of Six Tastes festival transformed into a true culinary journey for children and their families. From early morning, guests were welcomed to a festive environment adorned with balloons, flags, and an array of produce from local farmers. The program’s highlight was a series of themed activities designed to engage children and teach them the fundamentals of healthy eating. The festivities kicked off with an interactive theater performance, where characters introduced the diversity of flavors and the importance of a balanced diet. Children became engrossed in the magical story, interacting with actors and discovering the secrets of the six basic tastes. This immersive experience not only entertained but also taught them the value of eating a wide variety of foods. After the performance, children were invited to explore the different "taste zones."
Exploring the Taste Zones
The children ventured into six interactive zones, each dedicated to one of the six basic tastes: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, astringent, and spicy. The young explorers eagerly took part in games, sampled new and exotic foods, completed tasks, and earned play coins to exchange for prizes, which added a fun and competitive twist to the day.
Each taste zone featured unique activities to help the children better understand each flavor. In the sweet zone, they pieced together a giant puzzle featuring images of fruits, while in the spicy zone, they participated in the Spicy Quest, where they learned about spices and their distinct qualities. This hands-on approach helped the children memorize the tastes and made the learning process exciting and engaging.
The festival underscored the importance of introducing children to healthy eating habits from an early age, fostering an appreciation for natural foods, and reinforcing healthy dietary skills among the younger generation. According to the organizers, the festival aimed both to entertain and educate, showing children and adults that healthy eating can be enjoyable, engaging, and incredibly delicious.
Concert and masterclasses
In addition to the games and theater show, guests enjoyed performances by popular Tajik artists like Shirin Khamdamova and Alimuhammad Fakirov, along with the Zebo children’s dance ensemble. The music, dances, and vibrant costumes filled the entire site with joy and positive energy.
The organizers put special emphasis on the educational aspect of the event. A well-known Tajik food blogger offered a masterclass, demonstrating how to prepare tasty and nutritious dishes using local ingredients. Parents appreciated the practical tips on substituting familiar ingredients with healthier and affordable alternatives to create wholesome meals for their families every day. This approach not only encouraged culinary experimentation but also aligned with the festival’s focus on the importance of a healthy and varied diet.
Distinguished guests and remarks
The official part of the festival began with welcoming remarks from honored guests, including the President of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences of Tajikistan, Amonullo Salimzoda; the head of the UN World Food Programme in Tajikistan, Musallam Adham; and Director of FAO Liaison Office with the Russian Federation, Aghasi Harutyunyan. They emphasized that access to nutritious and diverse food is a fundamental human right and that the combined efforts of international organizations, governments, and local communities are essential to make this a reality.
A celebration bridging generations
The Secret of Six Tastes festival in Dushanbe was more than a celebration—it was a meaningful step toward a healthier and happier future for everyone involved. International organizations, parents, and children enjoyed the festivities, which, we’re certain, inspired many to embrace healthier eating habits and prioritize their well-being.
The festival concluded with words of gratitude to all participants and organizers, along with an invitation to future events. This day served as a vibrant example of how fun and learning can come together to make the world a little better.