Nowruz Bayram (Spring Festival) in Turkmenistan

Nowruz Bayram, also known as the Spring Festival or Persian New Year, is a cultural and historical celebration that marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Persian calendar. It typically falls on March 20th or 21st, coinciding with the vernal equinox.

History and Traditions:

Nowruz has ancient roots dating back over 3,000 years and is rooted in Zoroastrianism, which was the predominant religion in the region prior to Islam. The festival celebrates renewal, rebirth, and the fertility of nature. In Turkmenistan, Nowruz is not only a herald of spring but also an expression of cultural identity with deep ties to pre-Islamic traditions.

Traditionally, Nowruz is a time for house cleaning (known as "khouse takouni"), visiting friends and relatives, settling old debts, and preparing festive meals. The holiday revolves around community events and family gatherings.

Celebrations in Turkmenistan:

On Nowruz Bayram, people in Turkmenistan engage in various festive activities:

• Sumalak Making: One traditional dish prepared during Nowruz is Sumalak, made from sprouted wheat grains ground into a sweet paste. This labor-intensive process involves communal cooking where stories and songs are shared.

• Performances: Folk dances, music performances, and traditional games are organized across towns and villages to entertain people of all ages.

• Sports Competitions: Wrestling (Göreş), horse racing, and other traditional sports competitions are held to showcase physical strength and skill.

• Public Celebrations: Public festivities may include fairs with local craftspeople selling their goods alongside performances by musicians and dancers wearing colorful national costumes.

• Planting Trees: In line with Nowruz’s emphasis on nature's rejuvenation, tree planting ceremonies are often part of the observance to promote environmental awareness.

• Charitable Acts: Giving to those in need is encouraged during Nowruz as it symbolizes starting anew with positive actions.

The celebrations usually last for several days, bringing communities together to honor age-old customs while looking forward to new beginnings.