The country once again celebrated the national spring holiday – the International Day of Nowruz. The main festivities have been held in the Nowruz Valley near Ashgabat for several years in a row. It may seem that celebrating this beloved spring festival has long become a familiar tradition. Yet the human longing for positive change is evidently so strong that the celebration of spring’s renewal never ceases to carry the most sincere and uplifting emotions year after year.
The Nowruz festival has absorbed lofty spiritual and moral values as well as the distinctive traditions of many peoples, including the Turkmen. The outstanding archaeologist Viktor Ivanovich Sarianidi, who devoted much of his life to studying the history and culture of Turkmenistan, asserted that celebrations of the spring equinox on the territory of modern Turkmenistan were held more than 4,000 years ago. Nowruz is a vivid example of a millennia long synthesis of cultures, in which ancient rites and family customs blend with musical heritage and contemporary art, culminating in an impressive nationwide celebration.
Vibrant musical and dance performances unfolded at the main entrance to the Nowruz Valley, dedicated to the year’s motto – “Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – Homeland of Purposeful Winged Steeds” – and glorifying the country’s remarkable achievements. Colourful costumes, music and authentic chants reflected the essence of this ancient celebration honouring the awakening of nature and renewal of life. The spacious valley turned into a vast festive stage, welcoming distinguished guests, including members of the government, representatives of the Mejlis, public associations, diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan, as well as mass media representatives. More than 220 foreign guests from 30 countries also took part in the celebrations.
The organizers of the Nowruz festivities near Ashgabat sought to imbue the event with a strong historical flavour. A marvellous town reminiscent of an Eastern fairy tale spread out its realm before the guests. A wide meadow became an enormous stage for joyful performances, with reconstructed Turkmen villages – complete with all the essential attributes of traditional life – serving as scenic backdrops. Ancient melodies performed by bakhshi musicians provided a splendid musical setting for the improvised spectacle.
Harmoniously complementing this atmosphere were decorative reconstructions of the walls of ancient Turkmen cities that once existed at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road and made a significant contribution to the world civilization. The open air exhibition showcased works of decorative and applied arts, fine art and items of traditional Turkmen daily life. In separate pavilions, visitors had the opportunity to view craftsmen at work, learn the secrets of making musical instruments or watch the making of elegant Turkmen jewellery. A special art exhibition featuring the works by young painters was dedicated to the beauty of spring, Turkmen nature, its gifts and the people living in harmony with it.
Riding on tall swings is one of the most beloved folk amusements. Taking a breathtaking flight on the swings is considered a spiritually purifying ritual, allowing one to enter the new year with renewed strength, a pure heart and bright intentions. Symbolic rites of purification are especially characteristic of Nowruz, including the lighting of bonfires, over which people jump to “burn away” all that is unnecessary and burdensome.
The spring festival has long transcended national boundaries and acquired the character of a major international celebration dedicated to the arrival of spring and renewal of nature. Every year, more than 300 million people worldwide celebrate Nowruz. The United Nations General Assembly recognized it as an international holiday, and UNESCO inscribed this spring festival on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.