Kazakhstan Celebrates the Ancient Tradition of Nauryz 

By Anisha Pemjee - TDS

19 March 2025

Nauryz is one of the most important and beloved holidays in Kazakhstan, marking the arrival of spring and renewal. Celebrated on March 22, it coincides with the spring equinox, when day and night are equal in length.  In 2024, Kazakhstan also revived the tradition of celebrating Nauryznama, a 10-day festival from March 14 to 23.

In the age-old tradition of spending this special time with friends and family, Gulnara Akhinzhanova of Kazakhstan hosted a Kazakh Cooking Master Class at the embassy in Pretoria. Amid laughter and the sharing of personal stories, guests participated in the preparation of the renowned Kazakh dishes of Manty and Samsa under the expert guidance of members of the Kazakh Embassy. Irimshik, qurt and jent were also served with specially made Kazakh tea. 

A revival to this tradition is wearing traditional Kazakh clothes which young Kazakh Entrepreneurs have recently made popular. Local designers have been creating modern chapans (a traditional gown) and trendy camisoles which the Kazakh ladies were wearing, adorned with beautifully crafted Kazakh jewelry. 

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Nauryz has ancient roots, dating back over 3,000 years, and is celebrated by many Turkic and Persian-speaking nations, including Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey. The name "Nauryz" comes from the Persian words "nau" (new) and "ryz" (day), meaning "New Day." Traditionally, it symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and harmony.

In 2009, Nauryz was included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing its importance as a shared cultural tradition.

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Nauryznama: 10 Days of Celebration

In 2024, Kazakhstan introduced a 10-day Nauryznama festival, with each day dedicated to different themes:

1.    March 14 – Kórisu Kúni (Day of Greeting): Strengthening social bonds through traditional greetings.
2.    March 15 – Day of Mercy: Promoting charity, kindness, and community support.
3.    March 16 – Day of Culture and National Traditions: Showcasing Kazakh heritage through arts and performances.
4.    March 17 – Shanyrak Kúni (Day of Family Values): Honoring family unity and moral traditions.
5.    March 18 – National Dress Day: Encouraging people to wear traditional Kazakh clothing.
6.    March 19 – Renewal Day: Tree planting and environmental activities for a fresh start.
7.    March 20 – National Sports Day: Celebrating traditional Kazakh sports and competitions.
8.    March 21 – Day of Solidarity: Strengthening unity among different communities.
9.    March 22 – Nauryz Meiramy (New Year): The main holiday with feasts, concerts, and ethno-villages.
10.    March 23 – Day of Purification: Concluding with nationwide clean-up campaigns.

Traditions and Festivities

Nauryz is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and cultural performances. Key traditions include:
•    Nauryz Kozhe – A special festive dish made of seven ingredients, symbolizing abundance.
•    Public celebrations – Concerts, sports competitions (such as Kazakh wrestling), and theatrical performances.
•    Charity and kindness – People give to the less fortunate and settle old disputes for a fresh start.

Nauryz is more than just a holiday—it reflects Kazakh traditions, hospitality, and the spirit of unity. Recognized by UNESCO, it remains a symbol of cultural heritage and renewal, celebrated by more than 300 million people in Central Asia, the Balkans, the Middle East, the Caucasus, the Black Sea basin and other regions.

Kazakhstan Born Bold Campaign

As Kazakhstan embraces its cultural heritage through Nauryz and the expanded Nauryznama festival, the country is also looking ahead with a bold vision for the future. This vision is embodied in the “Born Bold” campaign—a movement that reflects the Kazakh nation’s drive for economic growth, social progress, and innovation.

The Born Bold campaign positions Kazakhstan as a country that is not only building on its past achievements but is also boldly shaping its future. By celebrating resilience and ambition, the initiative highlights the contributions of Kazakhstan and its people in various fields. Through global outreach, storytelling, and cultural diplomacy, Born Bold reinforces Kazakhstan’s image as a dynamic and forward-thinking nation—one that honors its heritage while striving for progress.

Photos credit: Anisha Pemjee, Embassy of Kazakhstan and IDSA

Recipe book credit: Embassy of Kazakhstan