Nauryz - a truly national holiday of spring equinox that goes back to ancient times is celebrated in many countries around the world, and is associated with the customs and traditions, reflecting the unity of

Nauryz - a truly national holiday of spring equinox that goes back to ancient times is celebrated in many countries around the world, and is associated with the customs and traditions, reflecting the unity of man and nature, the magnitude of the beauty, of love, of new life.

This holiday has survived in our country over the long and complex history coming back to us in 1988, and officially recognized upon the Kazakh SSR President’s decree of March 15, 1991. In 2010 Nauryz was entered on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. With the spring warmth the hopes for a brighter future, inspiration and energy come to people. 
 
Nauryz rallies people around traditional values. Before it comes, the musts are paying off debts, forgiving injuries to each other, tidying up the houses, cooking the meal, cleaning up wells and springs, planting trees. People give charities to orphanages, the elderly and needy.
 
Astana
 
Since morning the squares of the capital were busy and noisy: merry songs, inviting guests to festive table, dances, games, in spite of a not very warm weather on that day.
 
In front of the "Kazakh eli" monument, Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov, head of the Presidential Administration Karim Massimov, mayor of Astana Imangali Tasmagambetov, Majilis Chairman Nurlan Nigmatulin greeted Kazakhstanis.
 
 
 
A dance was performed symbolizing the meeting of winter and spring, awakening of nature, bringing harmony to the world. Traditions of the nomads were shown in a theatrical performance, and pop stars were singing.
 
There were also traditional Nauryz dishes, nomadic circus, hunters with falcons in and around the yurts; trade was brisk in the pavilions selling festive treats and handicrafts.
 
The celebrations and concerts in the squares of the capital continued into the night and were crowned by youth disco.
 
Yulia Polonskaya
 
 
Akmola oblast
 
The main celebration venue in Kokshetau was the Abylai Khan square, in which 12 yurts were open to the visitors, who were taking memory pictures near Kazakh warriors with spears, standing "on guard" at the door.
 
 
 
Akmola region’s governor Kosman Aytmuhametov congratulated the people who came to mark the holiday. A festive program was comprised as always of a variety of cultural, entertainment and sporting events. In a staged rite "Betashar", five newlywed couples took part. The agricultural fair offers foods produced in six districts of the oblast.
 
- In the "Rio" mall a competition Nauryz kozhe took place, in which six participants had cooked this dish on own recipes, and which many people waned to taste.
 
Chingiz Tashenov
 
 
Aktobe oblast
 
On a warm and sunny day in Aktobe, the main celebration venue was the First President Park, crowded since morning, with kids at the swings, clouds of steam from more than a dozen white yurts, where national cuisine dishes were being cooked.
 
At the stalls cafes and restaurants were selling crisp bawyrsaks and Nauryz kozhe. Dombra and accordion were playing; old-time household items were displayed in front of one of the yurts. "Nauryz Keruen" caravan appeared, opening the festivities, and the oblast governor Archimed Mukhambetov congratulated the residents on the holiday. Then the caravan headed on to the main avenue, congratulating everyone. 
 
Theatrical performances, games, contests were held that day at the Central Stadium, in the parks, the culture House, First President Park. At night the sky over the town was lit by fireworks.
 
Zhubanysh BAYGURINOV
 
 
Almaty region
 
During the holiday, the central streets of Taldykorgan turned into a beautiful yurt village, where from early morning Nauryz kozhe, kazy-karta, pilaf, mare’s milk were served. The area in front of the Palace of Culture looked like a village, whose every house had a lavishly laid table. Craftsmen exhibited their works and folk songs and games were played.
 
In the Central Culture and Recreation Park, seniors and war veterans planted an alley of conifers in "Nowruz tal" ceremony.
 
In the Tauelsizdik street contests in wrestling, weight lifting, rope tugging were going on, and in the central square beauties in bright folk costumes were dancing folk dances; exhibitions of children's art school, of local restaurants’ dishes were held.
 
The celebrations ended with a concert of folklore-ethnographic ensemble "Taldyқorғan әuenderі" and the youth disco.
 
Asset Kalymov
 
 
Atyrau oblast
 
That day in Atyrau, 70 yurts were pitched up, and throughout the region - about 150 of them. The main events took place in the Isatai and Makhambet central square, and first in many years the days of districts’ culture took place. There were also national games, lots of horsemen, handicrafts exhibitions, festive dishes.
 
Spring is time of plans and hopes, so this year, said the oblast governor Baktykozha Izmukhambetov, congratulating the residents, the dream of thousands of people are coming true: on public funds 56 thousand square meters of housing will be built, 29 kindergartens to admit nearly 3.5 thousand children, 33 overhauled schools and kindergartens, 11 new schools in place of emergency ones.
 
Together with Atyrau residents Nauryz was celebrated with many foreign guests- from U.S., UK, China, India and other countries, who are working in the oil producing companies and are interested in the Kazakh culture. They were taking pictures.
 
Ram Mikhailov
 
 
East Kazakhstan region
 
Ahead of the holiday the streets were cleaned up everywhere and in the central square of Ust-Kamenogorsk a white yurt village and altybakans (swings) were installed.
 
To the sounds of dombra riders on thoroughbred horses announced the start of the celebrations, and they were soon replaced by fairy-tale characters - the Earth as a beauty, Kydyr-ata, formidable batyrs and Nauryz.
 
East Kazakhstan region’s governor Berdybek Saparbayev announced the results of the regional contest "Best in Profession" and awarded the winners with "Ozat" statuettes. 
 
Nauryz in the Kazakh steppe has always been the time of tallying up results, - he said. - Much has been accomplished, and we rightly honor the working people today.
 
The varied program of the day included a concert, theater performances, rope tugging contests, crafts exhibition, sports events. Festive dishes were served.
 
Nauryz celebrations will last until the end of the week in the oblast and end March 25 by awarding winners in a ceremony.
 
Svetlana Abenova
 
 
Zhambyl oblast
 
The breath of the holiday in Taraz was felt on the night ahead. In white yurts on the Suleimenov street lights were on, from which came the fragrant whiffs of BBQ.
 
And in the morning a pageant started in the central square Dostyk. A gorgeous theatrical performance succeeded the grand opening. Onto a huge carpet with gold ornament ran out young girl dancers in emerald dresses, riders on horseback pranced, pop groups "Zhebe" and "Zhіger" sang.
 
A holiday carousel whirled in the square and around it- with dancing of Turkish ethnic culture center, singing of Ukrainian National Center "Dnipro," local cuisines exhibition with a variety of dishes, swings, games and competitions.
 
Vyacheslav Lebedev
 
 
West Kazakhstan region
 
The main events in Uralsk were held at the Dostyk avenue and the square named after Batyr Syrym Datov. A yurt camp was installed and a pageant was held there. 
 
The oblast governor Nurlan Nogayev congratulated the residents noting that the Nauryz has become a truly national holiday of peace, kindness and unity, a symbol of revival of the true history. 
 
The local history museum hosted an exhibition "Uralsk is the cradle of friendship" - a joint project of the museum and the regional branch of Kazakhstan People’s Assembly. 
 
 
 
The exposition, arranged by Uighur, Dungan and Azerbaijani centers, presents national costumes and musical instruments, household items, arts and crafts. The goal is to strengthen inter-ethnic harmony, Kazakh identity and preservation of historical and cultural heritage.
 
The national rites were demonstrated before a concert at the Kazakh Drama Theater. 
 
Education value of the ancient Nauryz holiday was discussed at the meetings of students with veterans, successful businessmen and sportsmen of the region, held in the frames of "The fate of the country- my fate" action. 
 
As always, children of the regional orphanage and the children's family-type village received gifts and a holiday for children with disabilities was held under support of Nur Otan office in local maslikhat. 
 
Lyudmila KORINA
 
 
Karaganda region
 
In Zhezkazgan and Satpayev, Balkhash, Temirtau, Karaganda and satellite towns it was drizzling but since March 21 the yurt camps have been installed in the central squares where people greeted the spring New Year! 
 
Karaganda oblast governor Baurzhan Abdishev congratulated local residents on the holiday. 
 
Thousands of adults with children, friends and colleagues walked to where the music was playing by the musicians and groups of the Philharmonic Hall and ethno-cultural associations. Competitions for the best tent and national sports contests were held in all towns and regional centers. 
 
Natalia Ryzhkova
 
 
Kostanay oblast
 
On Nauryz holiday, Kostanay weather was cool but dry, without rain or snow. Therefore, in early morning the central square of Kostanay, where a dozen yurts were put up for a competition, was overcrowded. 
 
The oblast governor Nuraly Saduakasov welcomed the local residents and guests and congratulated them on the holiday wishing happiness and welfare. 
 
Regional departments held competitions in national customs and rites for the first time in some areas. Then the theatrical show "Nauryz - a holiday of peace and goodness!" started, organized by the regional and town creative groups and institutions, a concert program "Village of Friendship" with participation of ethnic and cultural associations of the regional branch of Kazakhstan People’s Assembly, and a youth program, performed by the young artists of the town.
 
The events dedicated to Nauryz were held in all towns and districts. The overall program of the celebration is scheduled for over two weeks.
 
Valery VEDENKO
 
 
Kyzylorda oblast
 
In Kyzylorda Nauryz celebrations started on March 21. Lavish festive tables were laid in all micro-districts, markets and shopping centers. Organizers of the celebrations - employees of public and private institutions and enterprises – invited the artists of the Regional Philharmonic and creative teams.
 
In the evening a concert of the famous quartet "Zhigitter", Zhenis Seydulauly and local singers was held in the central square. Kyzylorda mayor Nurlybek Nalibayev congratulated the residents on the holiday and at midnight the colorful fireworks lit up the sky. 
 
33 yurts and 8 pavilions opened their doors and laid the tables full of holiday meals. Demonstration of the national customs and rites, a circus show of tightrope walkers from Shymkent and paluans’ (wrestlers) contests raised the festive mood. Various competitions and contests (wrestling, darts) were organized for young Kyzylorda residents too. 
 
The oblast governor Krymbek Kusherbayev congratulated the residents noting the high value of the ancient Nauryz holiday - a symbol of Kazakhstan’s unbreakable unity, prosperity, friendship, happiness and solidarity.
 
Yuri Lee
 
 
Mangistau region
 
In Aktau Nauryz holiday is traditionally marked at the coastal area, where several dozen white yurts were pitched up mainly by the large organizations. Each of them was trying to attract more visitors: some of the yurts treated hot pilaf, others arranged dance, the third - competitions of the national songs.
 
Alik Aidarbayev, Mangystau oblast governor congratulated the local residents and wished them prosperity and love. 
 
Outdoor competitions – weight lifting, arm wrestling, the Kazakh national kures (wrestling), tug-of-war and dice – were arranged there. In one of the yurts the daughters-in-law competed in singing, dancing and making tea. 
 
An Auto Parade was held in the main road of the town. This action was largely patriotic, aimed at support of local auto-producers and promotion of Kazakhstan brand - 15 vehicles of different models, assembled in Kazakhstan were demonstrated there. The rally ended near the sea. Here, everyone was able to get closer to the cars, sit in the driver's seats and even buy a car.
 
Festivities will last two days. 
 
Olga Berezhnova
 
 
Pavlodar region
 
On the eve of Nauryz celebrations the Pavlodar regional contest of poets "Nauryz Aitys" was held, attended by more than 20 akyns (poets), representing not only Pavlodar, but other oblasts of the country, as well as inter-regional dance competition "Hip-hop kuryltai" and other events.
 
In the central square of the town various games and competitions, exhibitions and fairs were organized. 
 
The yurts on the square and around it offered baursaks and Nauryz kozhe to the guests. Last year 91 yurts were installed for Nauryz, this year - 120. 
 
Honored Artists of Kazakhstan Aigul Ulkenbayeva and Rosa Rymbayeva with the ethnic ensemble "Beles" gave concerts at the Pavlodar Palace of Culture named after Estay. 
 
Sergei Gorbunov
 
 
Semei
 
A huge Nauryz taykazan - a replica of the famous Kazakh symbol of prosperity, hospitality and unity, created in early XIV century in Turkestan has become the main gift for Semey residents. Made of the reinforced fiberglass, it was installed in the central square and attracted the local residents, who hastened to take a picture of it. A creative team of the architect Askhat Bakirov worked on the project, ordered by the Semei Department of Culture. 
 
According to him, the Semey taykazan exactly matches that of the Turkestan (height - 1.6 m, diameter of the bowl - 2.5 m), but the original taykazan is made of bronze, and the copy is made of a modern frost- water- and fire-resistant material.
 
The copy was created in AstanaPromDesign company during three months. The goal was to recreate accurately the legendary figure, including all the complex patterns and Arabic inscriptions. 
 
Aigul BIDANOVA
 
 
North Kazakhstan
 
In the North Kazakhstan oblast various contests, sports competitions and exhibitions were arranged for the Nauryz holiday. "Nauryz - zhyl basy" show and an auto exhibition "Vivaga-Lada" were held at the main Petropavlovsk square, where a five-meter and 150-kg cake was offered to everyone to taste. Ethno-cultural associations of the regional branch of Kazakhstan People’s Assembly laid a table full of the national dishes.
 
Valery Mertsalov
 
 
South Kazakhstan region
 
A warm, sunny day, full of freshness of the rain shower, contributed to the celebration of the spring equinox. 
 
The Shymkent racetrack hosted a show, a concert of creative teams, a contest of young akyns (poets), national sports and horse races. The town’s flowerbeds bloomed with tulips, flowering apricot, almond, grass and blossoming trees, adding a bright palette of colors to the holiday.
 
 
 
Nauryz in the south is multinational. The Day of spring’s awakening is celebrated by all the ethnicities and nationalities. Although each nation has its own attributes of the New Year, the preparations for the holiday are common: they always include cleaning of houses and streets, planting of trees and helping the needy. 
 
Nauryz festive table is lavish. This tradition is common to all ethnic groups. An exhibition of national dishes and handicrafts was opened in the Independence Park by the national cultural centers. 
 
Lubov Dobrota 
Photo: Sergey Bondarenko, Bolatbek Otarbayev,
Valery Bugayev, Lilia Maltseva, Igor Burgandinov, Zhubanysh Baygurinov
 
http://kazpravda.kz/c/1364022698

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