Presidential Day, celebrated annually in Tajikistan on November 16, increasingly resembles a celebration inclined toward personality cults rather than the honoring of genuine national values. The day is linked to the election of Emomali Rahmon as Chairman of the Supreme Council of Tajikistan in 1992. However, to what extent this event can be considered a “value” or a “national symbol” remains a subject of debate.
Celebrating Presidential Day, particularly when it is tied to the persona of a single individual, risks fostering a culture of personality worship within society. Instead of emphasizing universal state values, national achievements, and shared history, such a celebration centers around the figure of one leader. A society should focus more on values such as justice, unity, and national development, rather than on the personality of a single individual.
A president is a person, not a value. In developed nations, national holidays are tied to historical events, cultural milestones, or collective achievements. For instance, the celebration of Independence Day or Constitution Day, which relate to liberty and statehood, have clear logical foundations. But what kind of value does Presidential Day create that is acceptable to all segments of society?
For many, such celebrations appear to be more political tools to bolster the reputation of the leader. Under these circumstances, Presidential Day takes on a propagandistic character rather than serving as a genuinely national celebration. Emphasizing the figure of one leader instead of national milestones weakens democratic culture and sends the message that power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual. This approach contradicts democratic principles.
Moreover, Presidential Day is a celebration that primarily serves those close to the government. For the majority of the population, it appears as an artificial and unnecessary holiday, disconnected from the real challenges of the country, such as unemployment, poverty, and economic development.
Similar to other officially celebrated days—such as Potato Day, Minister’s Day, or even Grapes Day—these holidays, despite their ties to agricultural or administrative aspects of society, often appear overly ceremonial and superficial. For example:
- Potato and Pumpkin Day is little more than a showcase of agricultural products without addressing the real issues of the sector.
- Minister’s Day or similar holidays celebrating officials are often tools for reinforcing their prestige rather than engaging citizens in solving governance problems.
- While Sada Festival has deep cultural roots, its celebration is limited to a small circle and does not fully serve as a symbol of national unity or revival.
Such holidays tend to be artificial in nature and lose their genuine value because they fail to align with the actual needs of society.
This raises a question: why do we have so many holidays dedicated to individuals or minor events, yet lack celebrations that genuinely unite the nation? Why is there no national day for the people, a day when they can raise their voices and openly discuss their problems? A nation needs celebrations that are not merely ceremonial but rooted in profound social, cultural, and economic significance.
For example, why do we not have a Migrants’ Day when 40% of the country’s income comes from migrant workers? These individuals endure hardship and sacrifice their lives for the nation and its economy, yet they have no dedicated celebration or recognition. Meanwhile, redundant holidays like Presidential Day or Minister’s Day are celebrated with no substantial basis, even being declared public holidays.
As such, the declaration of Presidential Day and similar holidays as public holidays requires serious reconsideration. National holidays should be organic and reflect shared values within society. Only in this way can such celebrations hold real meaning and make people feel included. Otherwise, Presidential Day risks becoming a symbol of division rather than national unity.
