Novosibirsk, Russia - This year, for the first time, the UN invited the whole world to celebrate the International Day of Navruz, March 21 The day was added to the representative list of non-material cultural heritage of the humanity as a cultural tradition of many peoples, symbolizing the first day of spring and the rejuvenation of nature. The event promotes global values, solidarity between generations and family members, and reconciliation and neighborly relations in order to preserve cultural diversity and friendship between different peoples and communities.
Accordingly, UPF-Russia honored the day by participating in the photo exhibition with a display of UPF activities and projects. The initiator of the festive event was the Zavolokin G. House of National Cultures supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Novosibirsk region. The exhibition was visited by N.V. Yaroslavtseva, Minister of Culture (Novosibirsk region).
The celebration started in front of the entrance of the House of National Cultures, in the square, with torchlight show; thereafter, guests competed in wrestling, showed their dexterity and speed in archery, and enjoyed aromatic pilau and shish kebab. In the hall visitors were welcomed by girls in beautiful national attires representing seven nationalities, including Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Tartar, Kazakh, and Azerbaijan. They offered everyone a sampling of sweets.
The artistic show with folklore groups performing national songs created a wonderful, warm atmosphere. Women appreciated the chance to see the exhibits of creative works and handicrafts; men and teenagers generally participated in a variety of competitions including Central Asian belt wrestling (kuresh). All participants received gifts and diplomas handed to them by initiators and sponsors of the event.
The International Day of Navruz celebrates the spring equinox and beginning of a new astronomical year according to traditional Persian solar calendar. It has been celebrated for over 3000 years in the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East, and other regions.
To read the UN's announcement of the International Day of Navruz, click here.