International Festival of Morin Khuur to be Held in Umnugobi Aimag
Under the auspices of President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, the 7th International Festival of Morin Khuur will take place in Dalanzadgad soum of Umnugobi aimag, Mongolia, on July 16-22, 2024. Since its foundation in 2008, the World Morin Khuur Association has regularly organized this international festival, a significant contribution to promoting unique Mongolian culture to the world. Previously, the International Festival and Symposium of Morin Khuur was held in 2008, 2012, and 2016, while the Morin Khuur Competition for Professional and Amateur Players and Morin Khuur Crafters was organized in 2010, 2014, and 2018. Morin khuur enthusiasts, players, and students from the United States, the Republic of Korea, the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Republic of France have regularly participated in the Morin Khuur Festivals and Competitions. The 7th International Morin Khuur Festival, postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is remarkable as it will be held for the first time in Mongolia's rural area. The International Festival of Morin Khuur will be held in three categories, with 170 professional Morin Khuur players, enthusiasts, and Morin Khuur crafters registered. President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa issued a Decree to Honor and Promote the Morin Khuur, the national pride of the Mongols, in April 2024. "Deciding to hold the 7th International Festival of Morin Khuur in a rural area is the main distinction", noted the Head of the World Morin Khuur Association N. Jigjiddorj. He further mentioned that the Festival will be held every three years. In addition, distinguished Morin Khuur figures, such as State Khaan Morin Khuur Player and People’s Actor of Mongolia, Ts. Tserendorj, and Honored Culture Figure of Mongolia, Morin Khuur Crafter P. Baigalijav, were born in Umnugobi aimag.