International Nowruz Day (21/03)

International Day of Nowruz has been celebrated since 2010. The proposal to introduce a new date into the UN calendar was made by the governments of several states: Azerbaijan, Albania, Afghanistan, Macedonia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Turkey. On February 23, the General Assembly adopted the initiative of these countries and assigned the international holiday – Nowruz Day to March 21 (resolution №A/RES/64/253).

The word Navruz (Novruz, Navruz, Nooruz, Nevruz, Nauryz) means a new day, its spelling and pronunciation may vary depending on the country.

Nowruz — day of the spring equinox, a holiday of the first day of spring and renewal of nature. The origin of the holiday dates back to the pre-literate era of human history. It is celebrated as the beginning of the new year by more than 300 million inhabitants worldwide.

Nowruz plays a significant role in strengthening ties between peoples based on mutual respect and the ideals of peace and good neighborliness. Its traditions and rituals reflect the cultural and ancient customs of the civilizations of East and West, which have become widespread in the context of the exchange of human values.

Celebrating Nowruz means establishing life in harmony with nature, recognizing the inextricable connection between creative work and natural cycles of renewal, and caring and respectful attitudes towards natural sources of life.

According to ancient custom, on the eve of Navruz, people must clean their homes, put things in order in their yards and gardens, and pay off their debts. Round flatbreads made from wheat, barley, millet, corn and other grains are usually placed on the festive table. In Navruz, it is customary to prepare dishes from seven products (mainly of plant origin).

In 2009, Nowruz was included in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The UN believes that the holiday promotes the values of peace and solidarity both between generations and within the family, as well as reconciliation and good neighborliness, which helps preserve cultural diversity and strengthen friendship between peoples and different communities.

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