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Within the framework of the Program of Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs of the NKR will organize the first ever Zhengyalov Hatz Festival. It will take place on April 29, 2015 on the territory of Nikol Duman House Museum in Tsaghkashat village of Askeran region, the Ministry’s press service reported.  

Each region of the NKR will be represented by participants skilled in preparing the most popular dish of Artsakh cuisine. The whole process of making of zhengyalov hatz followed by creative ways of serving it will be presented at the festival.  

The aim of the festival is to preserve and promote the intangible cultural heritage of Artsakh and to instill respect and caring attitude towards national traditions and ethnic peculiarities. 

Zhengyalov hatz is truly considered the hallmark of Artsakh cuisine. This unique dish made from flour, herbs, oil and spices has been prepared in Artsakh for a long time. It was first mentioned in written manuscripts of the 19th century when Artsakh folklore was being recorded. In 2013 the NKR government included zhengyalov hatz in the list of values of intangible cultural heritage of Artsakh Republic.

The festival, organized on the initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs of the NKR, is the third event held within the framework of Artsakh Cuisine Festival. In 2014 traditional bread festival in Khantsk village of Askeran region and Artsakh pickle festival in Drakhtik village of Hadrut region were organized.

The festival will start at 1pm and will be accompanied by traditional food serving, interesting games and competitions, concerts and other cultural events. The entrance is free.