In an atmosphere of excitement and joy, with the best of hopes, the people of Turkmenistan celebrate the National Spring Holiday – International Nowruz Day. According to tradition, the main celebrations on this day took place at the "Nowruz ýaýlasy" site in the Ak Bugday district of the Ahal velayat.
Since ancient times, Nowruz Bayram has symbolized the awakening of nature and the renewal of life. With the arrival of spring, everything around transforms before one's eyes, blooming in bright colors, and the earth dresses in its emerald garb. The picturesque natural beauty of the foothills of the Kopetdag, the refreshing pure air scented with herbs and flowers, uplift the spirits of all who experience them. In the era of the Renaissance of a new era for the powerful state, the ancient traditions and customs of this bright holiday, which holds a worthy place in the rich cultural heritage of the Turkmen people, are finding new meaning.
As is well known, in 2009, Nowruz was included in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. And in 2010, at the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly, within the agenda item "Culture of Peace," a Resolution was adopted to celebrate March 21 as the International Nowruz Day. This marked recognition of the importance and role of this remarkable holiday in strengthening friendly relations and solidarity between peoples. Thus, Nowruz serves as a great example of fruitful intercultural dialogue, embodying the inseparable connection between eras, the continuity of generations, and the steadfastness of universal humanistic values.
In his congratulatory Address to the people, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasizes: "In the International Year of Peace and Trust, when Turkmenistan celebrates the 30th anniversary of its neutrality, the historical significance of the National Spring Holiday – International Nowruz Day – becomes even greater." As the head of state notes, this holiday awakens in the hearts of people pure feelings, love, beauty, and peace. "With its historical roots stretching back millennia, Nowruz has been an integral part of the life and culture of the peoples of the East since ancient times. The traditions of Nowruz Bayram reflect the uniqueness of each nation, strengthening friendship, unity, peace, and trust between peoples," says the President of Turkmenistan in his festive Address.
Today, at "Nowruz ýaýlasy," the atmosphere resembles a large Turkmen wedding, with music and songs filling the air. The celebrations reflect the deeply meaningful works of the Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar, as well as the wise traditions and customs of our people, whose mentality has long been based on peace, good neighborliness, friendliness, openness, hard work, and the pursuit of creation.
These high humanitarian and spiritual-moral values of the nation are the foundation of the progressive internal and external policies of independent neutral Turkmenistan. They also find concrete expression in the constructive initiatives proposed by the head of state and Hero-Arkadag, which receive universal approval and support from the global community. It is deeply symbolic that this year, marked by the 30th anniversary of the neutrality of the Motherland, at the initiative of our country, in accordance with the Resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, has been declared the "International Year of Peace and Trust."
The vibrant color of the holiday's palette was enriched by colorful musical and theatrical compositions, embodying the well-being and prosperity of our beloved homeland, the unbreakable unity and cohesion of our people, and the confident movement of the country forward on its chosen path of creation. In folk-ethnographic performances and artists' presentations, the history and customs of Nowruz Bayram from ancient times to the present day came to life.
In the improvised village set up at "Nowruz ýaýlasy" with decorated yurts, one can gain a visual understanding of the lifestyle of the Turkmen people, their wise family traditions and rituals, and the peculiarities of rural life. Here, a panorama of rich national decorative-applied art and crafts was also on display.
For example, Turkmen handmade carpets, renowned worldwide, captivate with their delicate beauty, harmony of color palette and patterns, as well as durability and longevity. For our people, a carpet is not just a piece of home decor but a source of true pride. Each carpet has original symbolism that carries a special meaning. In the hand-crafted masterpieces of Turkmen carpet weavers, the beauty of the native nature, the surrounding world, lifestyle, and history of the people are captured.
The national art of embroidery, with ancient roots, also has its own characteristics in styles and types. Using needles and threads, Turkmen artisans turn any item into a work of art, whether it is everyday or festive clothing, traditional headwear, decorative fabrics, household items – each one is unique. The artistic value of embroidery is determined by the harmony of colors, refinement, and delicacy of the patterns. Just like in carpet-making, the secrets of this distinctive art are passed down from generation to generation. Today, thanks to the skill and talent of our artisans, embroidery is enriched with new elements, organically combining ancient traditions with modern trends.
The delicate execution, high aesthetic and artistic standards also characterize the works of Turkmen jewelers, who create magnificent jewelry. The history of this art in our people dates back millennia, as evidenced by archaeological findings discovered by scientists in our country. Turkmen jewelry is characterized by the proportionality of forms, proportions, ornamentation, and all decorative details. Special attention is given to women's and girls' jewelry. Talismans and items for children are also distinguished by their originality and elegance. Jewelers have reached unmatched mastery in creating jewelry for horses, which remains an original element of the adornment of Akhal-Teke horses to this day.
Among the traditional crafts of the Turkmen people are blacksmithing, pottery, the production of tools, horse harnesses, musical instruments, and felt products – koshmy-keche, as well as other crafts in which the hard work, talent, and creative potential of our artisans are realized.
Over the centuries, Nowruz has absorbed the manifestations of all forms and types of folk art. Today, it is a unique national treasure, rightfully recognized as an integral part of world culture. Proof of this is the inclusion of the renowned forms of art, crafts, and distinctive traditions of the Turkmen people in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Today, Nowruz is rightly called a holiday of returning to the roots. One of the foundations of Turkmen society, reflecting its worldview and life philosophy, is the principle of harmonious coexistence with the environment and respectful treatment of nature. In this regard, it should be noted that, on the occasion of the National Spring Holiday, mass greening campaigns are regularly held in the country, during which thousands of tree seedlings are planted. As a result, each year, the number of parks and gardens in the country increases, and the areas of artificial forest zones expand. Turkmenistan's comprehensive measures aimed at ensuring environmental well-being, preserving biodiversity, rationally using natural resources, and implementing eco-friendly "green" technologies in all sectors of the economy and social sphere are aimed at securing a sustainable future.
Contributing to solving the pressing global challenges in this direction, our country also puts forward international initiatives, including those related to adaptation to climate change and overcoming its consequences.
The respectful attitude toward nature and its resources is also evidenced by the centuries-old agricultural traditions of our hardworking people. Science has confirmed that Turkmen soil is one of the oldest centers of world civilization, where agriculture has flourished for centuries. The arrival of spring for farmers marks the start of a new, responsible season, with its own rituals and customs, particularly those associated with the blessing of the beginning of fieldwork.
Our ancestors were skilled farmers and livestock breeders, growing abundant crops of cereals, melons, and other crops, cultivating orchards and vineyards. They created artificial reservoirs and irrigation systems to water agricultural areas. Today, their rich experience, combined with modern methods and technologies, along with the active integration of sectoral scientific achievements, forms the basis of the state strategy for the development of agriculture, which is being implemented in Turkmenistan, resulting in significant reforms in this sector.
…Meanwhile, the celebrations at "Nowruz ýaýlasy" continue. Artists, creative teams, and young performers greet the holiday participants, including foreign guests, with lively melodies, songs, and dances. Folk motifs harmoniously blend with the rhythms of our time. The joy and merriment that prevail everywhere leave unforgettable impressions.
A traditional pastime for the youth is the "flight" on high swings, an unchanging symbol of Nowruz. Riding on them is considered a spiritually cleansing ritual, giving new strength and vitality. The event also features captivating national games and competitions.
The diverse dishes of Turkmen cuisine were also presented, which are an important element of our culture. The main dish of Nowruz is "semeni" – a dish made from sprouted wheat seeds with added flour and sugar.
And of course, no major celebration in our country is complete without skilled riders on magnificent Akhal-Teke horses. The high skill of horseback riding and equestrianism is demonstrated by the National Equestrian Games Group "Galkynyş." This talented group is well known not only in Turkmenistan but also abroad. The noble stance, refined beauty, grace, and agility of the "heavenly" horses, along with the breathtaking tricks performed by Turkmen horsemen, always evoke genuine admiration from the audience.
The "Galkynyş" group is a laureate of prestigious international competitions and festivals. This year, the group participated in the International Circus Arts Festival in Monte Carlo (Principality of Monaco), where they won the Golden Prize and other special awards. Through their remarkable achievements, the "Galkynyş" group continues to enhance the glory of the legendary Akhal-T
eke horses. The equestrian art of the Turkmen people is truly a unique and indispensable part of world culture.
The celebrations marking the National Spring Holiday, International Nowruz Day, once again revealed the great cultural and historical heritage of our people, the glory of their labor and creativity, and the inexhaustible wisdom and traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Source: State News Agency of Turkmenistan
