Over 1,500 Nauryz Festivities Set for Kazakhstan's Calendar
A Glimpse into the Nauryznama Decade: Kazakhstan's Vibrant Spring Celebration
Step into the heart of Kazakhstan as it comes alive during the Nauryznama Decade, an annual 10-day cultural extravaganza stretching from March 14 to 23. Amidst the vast expanses of the Great Steppe, this celebration envelops the nation in a tapestry of tradition, renewal, and harmony.
Nauryz, a holiday that symbolizes the arrival of spring and the New Year according to Persian and Turkic-speaking nations' solar astronomical calendar, has deep roots in the Kazakh culture, tracing back through the millennia. Unlike the international holiday celebrated across Central Asia, the Middle East, the Caucasus, the Balkans, and beyond, Nauryznama—the traditional folk holiday of the Great Steppe—is a week-long spectacle lasting at least eight days [1].
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev introduced the new ten-day format in 2024. Each day of the Nauryznama Decade carries a special theme:1. Amal Holiday (Korisu): March 14 - A day for heartfelt greetings and renewal after the long winter.2. Kayrymdylyk: March 15 - Celebrating charity, mercy, and good neighborliness.3. Shanyrak: March 16 - Upholding family values.4. Day of culture, art, and national traditions: March 17.5. National Costume Day: March 18.6. Janaru: March 19 - Dedicated to renewal.7. National Sports Day: March 20.8. Yntymak: March 21 - Encouraging solidarity.9. Jyl Basy: March 22 - Marking the New Year.10. Tazaru: March 23 - Emphasizing a pure mind and intentions.
The new logo for Nauryznama—three tulips—symbolizes the connection between the past, present, and future of Kazakhstan. The upcoming festivities promise to mirror these connective roots, with events ranging from the Kamazhai national dance flash mob in Astana to parades of national costumes in Aktobe [2].
As a potential key tourist brand, Nauryznama could rivet the attention of travelers seeking mainstream cultural experiences, such as Rio's carnivals, Japan's cherry blossom season, or India's Holi festival. The diversity, vibrancy, and communal spirit of Nauryznama make it an unforgettable experience, infused with the rich culture and history of the Kazakh people. [3]
Spending time amidst the Great Steppe, you can immerse yourself in the eight-day spectacle of Nauryznama, a week-long celebration of Kazakh culture, taking place during the Nauryznama Decade. With an aim to showcase the essence of the Kazakh lifestyle, the festivities will feature activities that promote outdoor-living, such as parades of home-and-garden decorated national costumes.
