Nauryz / Наурыз,

Celebrated as the start of a new year, for some Nauryz is the sole New Year celebration, while for others it complements the Western New Year eve. In the past, Nauryz was celebrated for over a month, but during Soviet rule, it was banned as a religious holiday. As a result, many people grew up unaware of its existence. However, communities never regarded Nauryz as a religious event but rather as a celebration of the vernal equinox and the renewal of nature. It was revived in 1988 and officially recognized in 1991. Nauryz symbolizes renewal, forgiveness, and harmony. On this day, people set aside grievances, make peace with those they have quarreled with, and wish each other well.
A week before Nauryz, Körısu Künı (Day of Greeting) marks the beginning of the festivities. Younger generations visit elders, paying them respect and receiving bata (blessings) in return. In the past, people also prepared for Nauryz by discarding old clothes and bringing in new ones, symbolizing a fresh start. This tradition became part of the Nauryz calendar as a dedicated National Costume Day starting in 2024.
The celebrations bring communities together with horse races, traditional games, concerts, music, and dance performances. On March 21 and 22, cities and villages come alive as ministries, regional and district municipalities, national companies, universities, and schools set up yurts outside their buildings or in central squares. Visitors are often welcomed inside to enjoy free meals, tea, and live music. Fairs animate the squares, offering handmade goods and food.
Afternoon gatherings typically move to private homes where special dish prepared only for Nauryz, nauryzköje, is served. It contains seven symbolic ingredients, with household recipes varying slightly. However, some elements remain constant: preserved meat for strength, ayran or qurt (dried salty cheese) for health, and water to symbolize life itself. In my family, we don’t cook nauryzköje, we visit my mother’s friends, who make especially delicious ones.