Nauriz, a term derived from a Persian word which means “New Light”, is one of the oldest celebrated traditions in the world. Nauriz is celebrated every year during the spring equinox, which falls on the 22nd of March. For that reason, the Kazakhs refer to the month of March as Nauryz.
This old Iranian holiday used to last more than a week and is often celebrated by holding a festival program with various types of competitions. One popular type of competition among the populace of Kazakhstan is known as the “Aytis.” This contest, which involves at least two improvising folk poet-musicians, displays the Kazakhs’ wit and poetic skills.
In addition to bullfights and Aytis, the Kazakhs also welcome the spring equinox with songs and dances. One of the brightest Nauriz traditions the Kazakhs observe is the Nauriz blessing or Nauriz-bata. This tradition entails the Kazakhs to receive a blessing on the day of the festival from an “aje” (elder woman) or from an aqsaqal (an elder person). The Kazakhs consider receiving this sort of blessing as a big honor as well as a sign of kindness.
Kazakhs also celebrate Nauriz by sharing their food with each other. Kazakhs are entitled to generously share their dastarkhan (table) with everyone. During the Nauriz, each nomadic tent house or yurt sets off to prepare their own dish to serve at the festival table. They can choose any type of dish they like provided that they only use seven types of ingredients. Some of the most famous dishes prepared include the Nauriz köje or yogurt soup, as well as a few meat dishes such as the qarta, qazy, and shujiq.
In addition to all the revelry, it is also customary for the Kazakhs to embrace renewal by cleaning their houses, making peace with everyone, and clearing debts. As a nation, the citizens of Kazakhstan help each other in cleaning their country’s artificial and natural water channels and chutes as well as their springs and water wells.
Nauriz, a term derived from a Persian word which means “New Light”, is one of the oldest celebrated traditions in the world. Nauriz is celebrated every year during the spring equinox, which falls on the 22nd of March. For that reason, the Kazakhs refer to the month of March as Nauryz.