Kazakhstan Commemorates Nauryz Meiramy with Festive Celebrations

Astana, The Gulf Observer: The jubilant festivities of Nauryz, the ancient and cherished spring holiday, have begun in Kazakhstan and are reverberating across the globe, as reported by media.

Nauryz holds a special place in Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage, having been observed in the country since 1999. March 21st, 22nd, and 23rd are marked as official days off in commemoration of this auspicious occasion. In 2009, Nauryz received international recognition when it was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A year later, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21st as International Nauryz Day.

With roots tracing back to antiquity, Nauryz Meiramy is believed to have originated during the reign of the ancient Persian kings, particularly during the era of Shah Jamshid, in the 4th-6th centuries BC. Some historical accounts suggest that Nauryz has been celebrated for over four to five millennia.

Central to the Nauryz festivities is the indulgence in Nauryz kozhe, a traditional dish comprising seven ingredients symbolizing the seven elements of life. These ingredients, including water, meat, salt, fat, flour, cereal, and milk, symbolize virtues such as joy, success, intelligence, health, wealth, agility, growth, and divine protection.

In an effort to rejuvenate and enrich the essence of the Nauryz holiday, Kazakhstan has introduced a series of innovative initiatives. Notably, a proposal to declare March 14-23 as the Nauryznama Decade aims to amplify the holiday’s significance and cultural depth. A unified Nauryz logo has been endorsed and disseminated across all regions of the country.

The revival of traditional celebrations, such as Korisu kuni – Amal (Meeting Day), which historically extended for 8-9 days under the name Nauryznama, is being championed. Additionally, various themed days leading up to Nauryz, including the Day of Charity, Day of Culture and National Traditions, and National Sport Day, are being observed nationwide.

Moreover, the Nauryz bazarlyk season, featuring mass sales at trading venues, is in full swing from March 14-23. Around 400 events are slated to take place countrywide as part of the Nauryznama festivities, culminating in the grand celebration of Uly istin – Uly tany on March 21 within the EXPO territory.

As Kazakhstan embraces the spirit of Nauryz, the nation stands united in honoring its rich cultural heritage and fostering a sense of unity, joy, and renewal among its people and beyond.