Nauryz rises from Soviet ban to global celebration of renewal
Nauryz, an ancient spring festival with roots across Central Asia and the Turkic world, has been celebrated for thousands of years. The tradition marks the arrival of spring and the start of a new year, though its observance faced challenges during the Soviet era.
In 1926, Soviet authorities banned Nauryz as part of a wider crackdown on religious and traditional customs. Despite the prohibition, many families kept the festival alive by celebrating it in private.
The revival of Nauryz began in the late 1980s during the perestroika reforms. The first public celebration in decades took place in 1988 at Almaty's Gorky Park, now known as the Central Park of Culture and Leisure. The event featured traditional games like Togyz kumalak and archery, improvised poetry contests called Aitys, horse races, and the preparation of Nauryz Koshe, a symbolic dish. Performances in national costumes, the raising of yurts, and traditional swings known as Altybakan were also part of the festivities, all representing renewal and unity. This gathering was meant to set an example for other regions.
By 1991, the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic officially recognised March 22 as Nauryz Day. Later, in 2010, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 21 the International Day of Nauryz. More recently, in 2021, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed extending the celebration into a longer Nauryznama period, running from March 14 to 23.
Nauryz has evolved from a banned tradition to a widely recognised cultural celebration. The festival now holds international status and continues to grow, with expanded dates and renewed emphasis on its historical significance. Its revival reflects both national pride and a broader appreciation of Central Asian heritage.
