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Nauryz Day

A cultural observance on March 22 celebrating the Persian New Year, the arrival of spring, renewal of nature, and unity among the peoples of Central Asia.

Monday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMarch 22

OBSERVED INKazakhstan

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYOther Religion

ORIGIN

Government Proclamation

FOUNDING ENTITY

Nursultan Nazarbayev

FIRST OBSERVED

1991

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

President Nursultan Nazarbayev of the Kazakh SSR signed a decree on March 15, 1991, officially establishing March 22 as the national holiday "Nauryz Meiramy" to revive national cultural traditions during perestroika and early independence. The ancient holiday had been banned in Kazakhstan during the Soviet era from 1926.

News Archivevia e-history.kz

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the colorful and joyous Nauryz Day on March 22! This holiday is widely celebrated in countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan as a way to welcome the spring season and new beginnings. It has roots in ancient Persian traditions and is also recognized as the Persian New Year. On this day, people gather together to enjoy traditional food, music, dancing, and games. It's a time for spreading happiness and good wishes for the upcoming year. So mark your calendars and get ready to join in on the festivities of Nauryz Day!

TIMELINE

Nauryz Day Timeline

Origins as Vernal Equinox

Nauryz is an ancient holiday, celebrated as the vernal equinox by many cultures in Central Asia, marking the beginning of spring and the renewal of nature.

Adoption by Turkic Tribes

In the 8th century, the holiday was adopted by Turkic tribes in Central Asia, where it evolved into a grand celebration of the new year and the spring season.

Suppressed by Soviet Union

Nauryz celebrations were suppressed by the Soviet Union during the early 20th century, as they were considered to be linked to religious and national identity.

Revival in Kazakhstan

Following the beginning of perestroika, Nauryz was re-established as a national holiday in Kazakhstan, sparking its revival and an increased interest in the country's cultural heritage.

Recognition by UNESCO

Nauryz was officially recognized by UNESCO as an International Day, highlighting its cultural importance and historical significance.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Nauryz Day

Attend a traditional Nauryz festival

Immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Nauryz by attending a festival. You can try traditional foods, watch performances, and participate in various activities.

DECORATE

Decorate your home with Nauryz symbols

Bring the spirit of Nauryz into your home by decorating with traditional symbols such as the "sizdik" or seven dishes, the "kazakh yurt" or nomadic tent, and the "zhentek" or swing.

TRY

Try cooking traditional Nauryz dishes

Expand your culinary skills by trying your hand at cooking some traditional Nauryz dishes such as "nauryz kozhe", a holiday soup made with seven ingredients, or "baursak", a fried dough treat often served during celebrations.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in traditional games and activities

Gather some friends and family and play traditional Nauryz games such as "kiz kuu", a horseback riding game, or "kures", a form of wrestling. You can also try your hand at making traditional crafts such as "shyrdak" rugs or "terme" felt decorations.

DONATE

Donate to a charity that supports Kazakh culture

Spread the joy of Nauryz by giving back to the community. Donate to a charity that supports Kazakh culture and traditions, and help preserve them for future generations.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Nauryz Day

It's full of colorful and festive traditions

Nauryz Day is filled with vibrant customs and rituals, including traditional horseback games, dancing, and delicious feasts. People also decorate their homes and wear bright traditional clothing to mark the occasion. It's a beautiful celebration that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Central Asia!

It's a celebration of spring and new beginnings

Nauryz Day is celebrated as the beginning of the new year in many Central Asian cultures. It symbolizes the end of winter and the start of spring - a time of renewal and rebirth. This is a joyous occasion that brings people together to celebrate life and the start of a new cycle.

It promotes unity and diversity

Nauryz Day is celebrated by many different cultures, including Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Turkmens, and Tajiks. It brings people from diverse backgrounds together to celebrate their shared traditions. This promotes understanding and harmony among people from different communities!

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