Bishkek, March 21, 2021 / Kabar /. On March 21 the Kyrgyz people celebrate Nooruz (Nowruz) holiday.
The word Nowruz is a combination of Persian words “now”—meaning "new"—and “ruz”—meaning "day"
Nowruz has Iranian and Zoroastrian origins; however, it has been celebrated by diverse communities for over 3,000 years in Western Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Black Sea Basin, the Balkans, and South Asia.
The United Nations officially recognized the "International Day of Nowruz" with the adoption of UN resolution 64/253 in 2010.
Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, Iran and Afghanistan were the only countries that officially observed the ceremonies of Nowruz. When the Caucasian and Central Asian countries gained independence from the Soviets, they also declared Nowruz as a national holiday.
On September 30, 2009, Nooruz was included by UNESCO in the list of non-material cultural heritage of mankind, since that time, March 21 has been declared as International Nooruz Day.
Initially, Nooruz was a pagan holiday of the Zoroastrians, who considered the day of the vernal equinox sacred.
Nooruz is the holiday of the incoming of spring according to the astronomical solar calendar among the Iranian and Turkic peoples.
Celebration of Nooruz falls on the vernal equinox. From March 21, the days begin to lengthen and the nights to shorten. It is this period that is considered to be the new year, the beginning of the season of growth and prosperity.
Nowadays, Nooruz is celebrated by more than 20 peoples and nationalities around the world. These are Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, North India, Macedonia, Turkey and others.
Almost in all countries where Nooruz is celebrated, the people prepare meals from seven, mainly vegetable, products, the most famous holiday dish is Sumolok - a dish made from sprouted wheat germ.
In Kyrgyzstan, Sumolok and Kozho (Northern regions of the country) have been preparing for Nooruz since ancient times. Sumolok takes a long time to prepare, so women, in order to pass the time and fill the atmosphere of cooking with positive energy, accompany the whole process with chants, dances and playful, funny choruses.
On the day of the equinox, it is customary to cleanse the house (with the help of juniper), forgive people, repay debts and wish everyone abundance and prosperity.
During the Nowruz holidays, people are expected to make short visits to relatives, friends and neighbors. Typically, young people will visit their elders first, and the elders return their visit later. Visitors are offered tea and pastries, cookies, fresh and dried fruits and mixed nuts or other snacks.
Nowadays, celebration of Nooruz in Kyrgyzstan is accompanied with equestrian games and other national games like archery competitions, horse races and others.
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