Kazakhstan is marking Nauryz, the ancient festival celebrating the spring equinox and the renewal of nature, with three days of public festivities beginning today, March 21st. The holiday, known as “Ulys Kuni” or “the Great Day of the Nation,” is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural heritage and signifies a time for rebirth and unity.
Originating long before the introduction of Islam to the region, Nauryz is characterized by its secular nature, embodying universal values of harmony, kindness, and renewal. Preparations traditionally involve thorough cleaning of homes and surrounding areas, alongside the planting of trees and flowers, all intended to welcome the new year with a sense of freshness and optimism. A long-held belief suggests that a clean home on Nauryz will ward off illness and misfortune.
Celebrations across Kazakhstan are centered around visits to family and neighbors, accompanied by the exchange of well wishes for prosperity and well-being. Public spaces are filled with the greeting “Koktem tudy,” meaning “Spring is born,” as communities come together for traditional games, horse races, and cultural performances. Traditional sports such as kazakhsha kures (Kazakh wrestling) and toguz kumalak (a traditional board game), as well as equestrian competitions like kyz kuu and baiga, are drawing large crowds.
A central element of the Nauryz celebration is nauryz-kozhe, a special ceremonial dish prepared with seven ingredients – water, meat, milk, and various grains. Each component symbolizes essential values: happiness, health, wisdom, and abundance. The number seven itself is considered significant, representing the days of the week and the concept of universal harmony.
The holiday likewise features the aitys, an improvised poetic contest where participants, accompanied by the traditional dombra instrument, compete in wit and eloquence, often continuing throughout the night.
While Nauryz has been a continuous part of Kazakh culture for millennia, its public celebration was suppressed for several decades. The holiday experienced a revival during the period of Perestroika in the Soviet Union, and has since regained national prominence. It was officially recognized as a public holiday in 2001, and expanded to a three-day observance starting March 21st in 2009.
This year’s Nauryz celebrations are preceded by the observance of National Clothing Day on March 18th, part of a ten-day period known as Nauryznama. This initiative aims to promote traditional Kazakh attire as a means of preserving national identity and cultural heritage.
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