Nauryz, one of the oldest holidays of mankind, is approaching. It is the beginning of the new cycle in nature, it has always been in the knowledge and traditions of the Kazakh people. For thousands of years, on the territory of the Great Steppe, our ancestors rejoiced at the arrival of Nauryz. As a symbol of spring renewal, the celebration of life and prosperity, this holiday today unites all Turkic-speaking and Iranian-speaking peoples, uplifting the spirit of unity and friendship.
The ancient holiday, revived after long oblivion, received official recognition in Kazakhstan on March 15, 1991, after the decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the national holiday of spring – Nauryz meiramy". A copy of this document is now kept in the Personal archive of Elbasy. Among the exhibits of the archive, there is a rare photograph of N.Nazarbayev in national costume, made during the celebration of Nauryz on March 22, 1999.
On September 30, 2009, Nauryz was included by UNESCO in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, since that time March 21 has been declared as the International Day of Navruz. The International Organization TURKSOY in 2010 organized the first Nauryz celebration in the Great Hall of the UNESCO headquarters.
The main condition for the modernization of the new generation, Elbasy calls the preservation and promotion of culture, national code. And therefore, the tradition of celebrating Nauryz in Kazakhstan is becoming more and more vivid and diverse, reflecting the depth and essence of the national holiday.
Researchers of the 19th century said: "As Europeans look at the clock, so the Kazakhs look at the stars". The sky in the days of Nauryz for the Kazakhs served as a forecast map - a bright cluster of stars promised them a warm and tender spring, a kind and fertile summer, the fulfillment of the cherished desires of the nomadic people.
The Kazakhs put great faith in dawn and sunset in Nauryz. Giving these times of day a special sacred meaning, they gave up to 99 definitions for both morning and evening. If it suddenly started raining on Nauryz day, everyone was happy to put their heads under it, believing that it would bring not only good luck, but also good health for years to come. If it snowed, it was not removed to avoid drought. It was especially a good sign if a swallow flew into the house - they were expecting well-being. In the old days, Kazakhs on the night of March 22 lit two lights in the center of the dwelling, as a symbol of a strong and happy union of a man and a woman in this house.
In the context of this holiday, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan K. Tokayev speaks about the development of ancient traditions, focusing on preserving the purity of not only thoughts, but also the environment: "From time immemorial, our ancestors in Nauryz began to clear springs, plant trees. It is necessary to continue this beautiful tradition, to be more actively engaged in the protection of the environment. This is one of the most effective ways of ecological education of the younger generation", the Head of state calls on.
Nowadays, when the coronavirus infection pandemic continues to threaten the health of the population, a wide celebration of Nauryz is out of the question. Therefore, let only the closest people gather at the festive table these days, wishing each other health, happiness and joy. Let two bright lights burn forever in each house, giving everyone peace, tranquility, wealth and love. Happy holiday, dear friends! Happy Nauryz!
Director of the Library of the First President
of the Republic of Kazakhstan-Elbasy
B. Temirbolat
8 800 080 15 05
kense@plibrary.kz
