Reviving an ancient holiday: a new format of Nauryz in Kazakhstan

Nauryz is one of the oldest holidays celebrated by many nations around the world. It symbolizes renewal, the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year. In Kazakhstan, Nauryz is celebrated in style, bringing together cultural traditions, family values and social solidarity. In 2024, the format of the celebration was expanded - it now lasts ten days and is held under the auspices of "Nauryznama", a decade of events aimed at popularizing national heritage.

A tradition that goes deep into history
Nauryz has its roots in the ancient rituals of nomadic peoples who celebrated the vernal equinox as the beginning of a new life cycle. With the arrival of spring, nature awakened, as did people's hopes for fertility, abundance and harmony. In Kazakh culture, this holiday was not only a symbol of renewal, but also a time of strengthening interpersonal relationships - communal feasts were held, alms were given, and the older generation blessed the youth for good deeds.

Modernized holiday format
Contemporary Nauryz in Kazakhstan has taken on a new format, combining traditional elements with current social initiatives. Celebrations now begin on 14 March with the festival of "Amal" (or "Köris"), which translates as "meeting" or "seeing each other". This day is dedicated to reviving the old custom of neighbourly togetherness - people visit their loved ones, wish each other a happy spring and forgive old wrongs.

Each day of the decade has its own specific theme:

15. March - Day of Kindness. Focused on charity, mercy and mutual aid. Events are held across the country with patrons, volunteers and government organizations.
16. March - Day of Culture and National Traditions. Festivals, exhibitions and performances focusing on folk arts and crafts are organised.
17. March - Family Day ("Shanyrak"). It emphasises the importance of family values, respect for elders and care for loved ones.
18. March - National Costume Day. People wear traditional clothes, fashion shows and exhibitions of ethnic design are held.
19. March - Restoration Day. It symbolizes a new beginning for society. Mass tree planting takes place across the country.
20. March - National Sports Day. People compete in traditional disciplines such as Kazakh wrestling (qazaq kuresi), dice throwing (asyq atu) and kokpar.
21. March - Solidarity Day. It promotes unity and mutual respect between ethnic groups in Kazakhstan.
22. March - Zhyl Basy (Beginning of the Year). The main day of celebrations, when ethnographic villages open, festivals, concerts and exhibitions are held.
23. March - Purification Day. It ends the decade of Nauryznama and reminds us of the importance of taking care of nature and inner balance. Clean-up and environmental events are held across the country.
    

Impact of the reform on society
The introduction of the new format of Nauryz not only expanded the celebration programme but also contributed to the strengthening of national identity. Through the Decade of Nauryznama, thousands of events are being held across the country to help people gain a deeper understanding of their history, traditions and cultural roots.
In 2025, more than 1 500 events are planned to promote national heritage during the decade. The modernised Nauryz is expected to become not only a joyful spring celebration, but also an important element of Kazakhstan's cultural policy.
Nauryz, reborn in a new format, remains a symbol of renewal, unity and progress, while retaining its historical essence and ancient traditions.

(for) gnews.cz-jav