The rich and diverse programme of the "Zhivotvornaya Sila" (Life-Giving Power) herb festival, held for the second time in Dokshytsy, delighted even the most discerning spectators.

The rich and diverse programme of the "Zhivotvornaya Sila" (Life-Giving Power) herb festival, held for the second time in Dokshytsy, delighted even the most discerning spectators.

This unique event is an integral part, an overture to the republican festival of two rivers, which the Dokshytsy land will host on the second weekend of August.

The idea to dedicate the celebration to the "herbs" of their native land was not accidental: 65 species of medicinal herbs and 23 species of edible plants grow in the district. The local protected areas – the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, the "Golubitskaya Pushcha" hydrological reserve, and the Servach River valley – are a treasure trove of valuable natural objects.

– Our region is rightly called a festival region, because no other region in the country has such a large number of festivals, – noted Vladimir Terentyev, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies. – The oldest of them is "Braslavskie Zarnitsy," and the most famous is "Slavyansky Bazaar in Vitebsk." There are also many regional holidays that have international status. It is wonderful that the movement, which began decades ago, continues, and that the leadership of the Dokshytsy district, after consulting with scientists, decided to hold a herb festival.

Other distinguished guests wished longevity to the festival and the realisation of its tourism potential.

Participants of the "PRO#Ziolki" cycling event, organised by the BRSM district committee, set off along a 28 km route through their native region.

The ethno-estate "Vetyera" became a centre of attraction, where visitors were shared the secrets of herb preparation and making delicious teas from them. The "Shchadrovka" national cuisine club treated guests to Belarusian dishes, and for "dessert," a real wedding took place here! The newlyweds Pavel and Polina Anishchik were greeted with a wedding каравай (round loaf of bread). After undergoing a series of humorous trials, they kissed to the shouts of "Gorko!" (Bitter!) and danced with their fellow villagers.

The main event of the festival unfolded in the district centre. On the occasion of the 120th anniversary of the Holy Protection Church, Bishop Ignatius of Polotsk and Glubokoye visited Dokshytsy. He blessed the Orthodox Christians for good deeds.