On May 19, the "Russia - My Homeland!" festival, aimed at countering the ideology of terrorism and promoting patriotism, commenced in Dagestan. The event, dedicated to the Year of Fatherland Defender, seeks to educate young individuals on spiritual and ethical values, promote ethnic harmony and tolerance, and combat the ideology of terrorism.

The festival's zonal stage was held at Kizilyurt City Culture Center and brought together talented performers from across the region. Volunteers greeted guests and distributed information materials on preventing terrorist acts. Creative groups from various municipalities presented propaganda programs, including vocal and musical performances about Russia and choreographic pieces that showcase Dagestan's diverse culture. They also presented performances dedicated to heroes of the Great Patriotic War.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the year of 2025 to be the Year of the Fatherland Defender in Russia at a meeting of the State Council in December 2024. He emphasized that it would honor both modern heroes and ancestors, who crushed Nazism and fought for the Fatherland in different historical periods.