Nauryz as the main spring holiday in the Turkic world symbolizing harmony and renewal has a history spanning over 5,000 years, according to the latest research. Its origins trace back to ancient Iran during the Sun worship era when this celestial body was considered the source of life and all blessings on Earth. This belief and its associated traditions gradually spread across a vast territory. Today, the holiday marking the beginning of a new cycle is celebrated in numerous countries, including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Hungary and others. In the ancient times, Nauryz was observed for 53 days, nowadays, its duration varies from 1-3 days to two weeks.
“Iran also grandly celebrates Nauryz for 13 days. On this holiday, we serve a dish called Haft Sin, which consists of seven components. We support the decision of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the large-scale 10-day celebration of the Nauryz holiday. I want to wish all Kazakh citizens prosperity, health and all the very best,” said Ali Akbar Talebi Matin, Advisor for Cultural Affairs of the Iranian Embassy in Kazakhstan.
People believe that the more generously Nauryz is celebrated, the more prosperous the year will be. The holiday is accompanied by lots of customs and attributes. It is traditionalto prepare a generous dastarkhan and fill containers with milk or airan (traditional fermented milk drink), symbolizingwishes for prosperity. Researchers emphasize the significance of the equinox holiday, which boasts a rich history intertwined with the present and looking ahead to the future.
“Nauryz originated in Iran, formerly known as Persia. Kazakhstan massively celebrates the spring holiday, which positively influences all spheres of our lives. I believe that it should be warmly welcomed, and the 10-day celebration is a great idea. It is a very beneficial and valuable experience that allows us to preserve our national culture,” said Askar Zhussupbekov, professor of Gumilyov Eurasian National University.
Countries that await, respect and cherish the ancient spring holiday observe a variety of customs and traditions symbolically linked to warmth and joy in the home, hospitality as well as the preservation of family and cultural values. Overall, more than 300 million people around the world celebrate Nauryz to date. The holiday is included in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2009.
Editor: Аяз Назерке
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