Saida Kereyeva, the director of SPOON’s sister organization in Kazakhstan, shares a glimpse into Nauryz – Kazakhstan’s March 22nd celebration of spring and new life. See the original article here – http://spoonfoundation.org/blog/uncategorized/nauryz-a-celebration-of-life/
On March 22nd, people across Kazakhstan will gather with family and friends to celebrate Nauryz (pronounced “Now-reez”). Not just a modern celebration, this holiday of renewed life has been celebrated for over five thousand years by many cultures of Asia.
Today’s festival still incorporates ancient themes such as joy, good luck, wisdom, health, prosperity and growth. In the modern era, it’s grown beyond ornate yurts and delicious traditional foods to include charitable events, folk sporting games, tending plants, planting trees, and community clean-up of public spaces.
The ancient holiday of Nauryz has truly become a part of modern life, preserving the old traditions – and celebrating spring, work and unity.