Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are preparing to celebrate Novruz Bayram, a significant cultural festival that heralds the arrival of spring and the new year. In Azerbaijan, festivities will commence on March 20, 2025, while Kazakhstan will usher in celebrations starting on March 22, 2025. This occasion embodies renewal, community, and a wealth of cherished traditions celebrated across both nations.
In Azerbaijan, Novruz Bayram is a cornerstone of cultural identity, celebrated since UNESCO recognised it as an intangible cultural heritage on September 30, 2009. Its historical significance transcends borders and aligns with the vernal equinox, set for March 20, 2025, at 13:01:25 Baku time, symbolising fresh beginnings that resonate with the spirit of the holiday.
Preceding the festival, traditional customs such as setting bonfires signify the victory of light over darkness. However, the Ministry of Emergency Situations has urged safety during these traditions due to recent fire hazards. Citizens have been cautioned to exercise care when jumping over fires and to ensure they are completely extinguished post-celebration, following reports of 19 fires from neglecting fire safety precautions during Ilakhir chershenbe, a festive event leading up to Novruz.
Kazakhstan’s Nauryz, celebrated from March 21 to March 25, features rich traditions as well, focusing on the preparation of Nauryz-kozhe, a dish symbolising abundance made from seven ingredients that represent prosperity and health for the year ahead. The excitement is heightened by Aitys, a contest where akyns, or improvisational poets, showcase their skills in poetic duels.
During Nauryz, ornately designed yurts display traditional life, while games like horse racing (baiga) and wrestling (kazaksha kures) promote community spirit. Beyond Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, Novruz Bayram is joyfully recognised in various regions such as Iran, Turkey, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan, each adding their own unique customs to the celebration.
A representative from Iran remarked on the holiday’s significance as a time for renewed friendship and understanding, stating that “thousands of years of Novruz rituals represent the rich historical heritage of our people.” The festival’s collaborative spirit fosters inclusivity, attracting diverse audiences even abroad, such as the recent Novruz Bayram festivities in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Ambassador Shovgi Mehdizade of Azerbaijan highlighted the similarities between Novruz and the Vietnamese New Year, noting that both honour family traditions and express gratitude to nature. These intercultural events serve to build bridges between nations and enhance cultural exchange.
Ultimately, Novruz Bayram facilitates goodwill and celebration among diverse cultures, with traditions like jumping over bonfires and sharing festive meals echoing themes of gratitude and renewal. As Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan embark on this vibrant celebration, Novruz embodies a spirit of unity, creating cherished memories and underscoring the lasting significance of shared cultural heritage.
Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan will celebrate Novruz Bayram, marking the arrival of spring and the new year, with Azerbaijan starting on March 20, 2025, and Kazakhstan on March 22, 2025. The festival emphasizes renewal and community, featuring traditions such as bonfire jumping and the preparation of traditional dishes. Recognised by UNESCO, Novruz fosters cultural unity and goodwill not only in these two nations but throughout various regions, highlighting the significance of shared heritage and family values.
In conclusion, Novruz Bayram serves as a vital cultural festival that embodies renewal and unity across Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and various regions celebrating their heritage. This festival not only solidifies cultural identities but also strengthens international bonds. As communities gather to partake in ancient traditions and share experiences, Novruz continues to inspire collective joy and appreciation for nature’s revival during the spring season.
Original Source: evrimagaci.org
