In Kazakhstan, Nauryz is celebrated over 10 days, from March 14 to 23. The festivities begin with Amal, or Korisu Kuni, a holiday symbolizing unity and the start of the new year.
«In western regions, especially Mangystau, Amal was traditionally celebrated a week before Nauryz. On this day, as Abai Kunanbaiuly said, people meet after the long winter, embrace, and forgive one another — a time of reconciliation and unity,» said Gulzhan Abilova, researcher at the Mangystau Regional Local History Museum.
Festive events are taking place across the country, with particularly grand celebrations in Mangystau. On Mount Otpan, 532 meters high, yurts are set up, concerts are held, and the «Fire of Unity» is lit — a symbol of the people’s well-being. Each day of Nauryznama is dedicated to a specific theme. March 15 is observed as the Day of Mercy and Mutual Assistance, with traditional treats such as baursaks and Nauryz Kozhe handed out to people as symbols of good neighborliness and solidarity. March 16 is the Day of Culture and National Traditions. Notably, this year Nauryz is also being celebrated in a digital format: in Almaty, traditional treats are delivered by drones, while humanoid robots entertain visitors.
«Nauryz should be modernized in line with the goals set by the President. By leveraging digital technologies and artificial intelligence, we must transform it into a celebration that captures global interest and reaches an international audience,» said Serikzat Duissengazy, poet and Honored Figure of Kazakhstan.
The fourth day of the nationwide Nauryznama celebrations is dedicated to family and the continuity of generations. On March 17, 40 women in the capital who are mothers of large families were honored in a ceremony and presented with «Altyn Alka» and «Kumis Alka» pendants.
«Shanyrak Day celebrates the special role of mothers in the family. They are the source of warmth and care, and everything begins at the home hearth. Mothers unite the family and pass traditions down through generations,» said Samal Myrzakhmetova, recipient of the «Kumis Alka» pendant.
March 18 is National Clothing Day, celebrating cultural identity. The National Museum hosted a roundtable on this topic, where participants discussed the significance and symbolism of traditional attire, as well as its history and the evolution of wearing it — including in modern times.
«Red symbolizes joy. That’s why, when a daughter was sent off to a new life and a new family, tradition had her dressed in a red gown. Hair ornaments and other feminine accessories accompanied the bride to make her journey smooth and happy,» said ethnographer Bulbul Kapkyzy.
Visitors can explore the intricacies and beauty of
national clothing at a special exhibition at the National Museum, which
features seven types of 19th-century outerwear and headwear. March 19 is
Renewal Day. Kazakh residents are increasingly adapting traditions rooted in
the past to modern life. This is especially evident in clothing, as brands
blending traditional cuts and patterns with contemporary designs are gaining
popularity.
Nauryznama also promotes national sports. In Astana, more than 18,000 children played the game of assyk simultaneously. As part of a large-scale flash mob, they formed compositions depicting the «Alshy» assyk shape and spelled out «Altyn Saka».
«Today’s event was hosted by artificial intelligence, with the program organized using AI. 3,000 children on site connected to the screen simultaneously, while students from other schools joined via live stream to play assyk in sync,» said Ginayat Syzdykov, Director of the Orken Children and Youth Physical Education Center, Astana mayor’s office.
Nauryz Meiramy has firmly become part of modern Kazakh life, combining
tradition with digital technology. Competitions in traditional Kazakh sports
will be held across the country. The main events are scheduled for March 21 and
22, with the celebrations concluding on March 23 — a day dedicated to cleanliness and environmental
awareness.
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