NAVRUZ – A HOLIDAY OF MANKIND UNITY

Novruz is one of the oldest holidays celebrated by the peoples of Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Caucasus. This holiday symbolizes the arrival of spring, the renewal of nature, and the beginning of the new year. It should be noted that the Novruz holiday serves as a sort of dividing line between the past and the future, marking the end of the outgoing year’s work and the beginning of preparations for the new year’s agricultural tasks. In other words, this holiday is equivalent to New Year’s. Omar Khayyam, the great poet, wrote in his treatise “Nauruz-nama”: “When the four parts of the great year have passed, the great Novruz is celebrated, and the state of the world is renewed. Whoever celebrates and rejoices on the day of Novruz will live until the next Novruz in joy and enjoyment.

The significance of this time of year in people’s lives has given rise to numerous customs and rituals since ancient times. Long before the holiday—about two weeks in advance—wheat is sown in dishes. By the holiday, their green shoots should have grown to 5–7 cm and become a table decoration, a symbol of new life and the New Year. But the preparations don’t end there. But the preparations don’t end there. Closer to the holiday, the grain is sprouted again to become the basis for the festive dish.

Its celebration is also accompanied by various cultural traditions and customs passed down from generation to generation. Each ethnic group has its own unique meaning, but they all share similarities, which also unites all the peoples who celebrate Novruz. On this day, families gather to celebrate the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new cycle, organizing festive processions, traditional dances, and games.

The celebration of Novruz was declared an international holiday on February 23, 2010, at the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly, at the proposal of Tajikistan, Azerbaijan and a number of other countries. As the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Honorable  Emomali Rahmon, emphasized:

“Novruz is a phenomenon that nature itself has given to the people of the Earth.” The head of state also proposed in his Address to the country’s Parliament (December 2025): “Considering the eternal philosophy and wisdom of Novruz, its humanitarian traditions and customs, as well as their use for the education of future generations, an International Center for Novruz should be established in Dushanbe, and I am confident that the implementation of the above-mentioned initiatives will become irrefutable proof of the more than six thousand years of history and culture of us – tajiks.”

Novruz is not only a spring festival, but also a celebration of peace, friendship, and mutual understanding. The holiday is based on values ​​common to many peoples, such as a desire for peace, a love of life, respect for elders, care for nature, and good neighborliness. Its traditions and customs continue to connect millions of people around the world, making the holiday “Navruz” a unique historical and cultural heritage of humanity. Despite the diversity of languages, customs, and religions, this holiday unites people around common values ​​of peace and creativity, giving them the opportunity to share in a common joy.

It should be noted that today, one of the most important educational goals should be preserving the continuity of generations based on national traditions, customs, and holidays, as well as ideas about the ideal citizen of one’s country. It is well known that the foundation of intergenerational continuity lies in human spirituality. Spirituality is a quality of the soul that consists of caring for, preserving, and transmitting universal human values ​​to future generations.In his historic Address to the Parliament of the country (December 2025), the Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan,Honorable Emomali Rahmon, proudly emphasized the creative role of young citizens: “Our youth is the main force driving society forward, and we are proud of their high national sense, self-knowledge, self-awareness, and patriotism. Today, our youth, through their creative activities, makes a huge contribution to the political, economic, social and cultural life of our independent country. There’s currently no area in our country where our youth doesn’t play an active role. I’m confident that the youth of the independence period, who possess honor and dignity, will continue to make a worthy contribution to the development of the national economy, the progress of the state, and the welfare of their homeland. We will continue to take measures to address vital issues for children, adolescents, and young people, creating better conditions and opportunities for their studies and activities—the generation of creators of the future of the nation and the Motherland.”

The high praise given to the youth by the Leader of the Nation places a huge responsibility on students and teachers to be worthy people’s trust.

It should be noted that, in order to unite youth from different countries in the spirit of friendship, cultural exchange and sustainable development, the Navruz Youth World Festival was held in the Republic of Tajikistan in honor of the Navruz holiday. The festival was attended by youth of the

delegation leaders from 26 countries. The festival’s goals and objectives are aimed at uniting youth around the world based on shared values ​​of peace, friendship, cultural diversity, and sustainable development; promoting intercultural dialogue and the exchange of ideas between young people from different countries; promoting the cultural heritage and traditions of celebrating Nowruz as a symbol of renewal and hope; and creating a platform for youth initiatives aimed at addressing contemporary global challenges.

This festival is not only a cultural event but also a platform for dialogue, new ideas, and collaboration. An atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding lays the foundation for future joint projects, creating strong connections that will help overcome global challenges and build a brighter future.

We, modern youth, can say with great honor that since the holiday of Navruz became international, we have had more opportunities to study our traditions, strengthen ties between young people from different countries, and exchange knowledge and cultural values.

The study of folk traditions, customs, and holidays is always relevant, as it addresses, first and foremost, the human spiritual world, both present and future. Through centuries and millennia, past generations have strived to preserve and pass on folk traditions, customs, and holidays.

Navruz has a rich history and deep roots that unite many peoples of different cultures.

Navruz is a holiday of peace and kindness, strengthening relationships between representatives of different nationalities and promoting their unification.

Novruz is a time of strengthening friendship, mutual understanding and unity of peoples.

Congratulations on the holiday of Navruz. We sincerely wish peace to your home and bright events in your life. May there always be light in the soul, and joy and peace in the heart. And let life be filled with happy moments, and every day brings only good news! Happy holiday!

Novruz is a festival of new spring,
Of daylight spring,
A holiday for Zoroastrians,
A celebration of renewal and rebirth.

 

 

                                            Chief specialist Department for

                                             analysis of social problems of

                                              migration and public opinion research

                                      Abdulloeva S.N