Nowruz: The best New Year celebrations across Central Asia and beyond

Azerbaijan

Novruz is an ancient traditional holiday which reflects and promotes cultural, national and spiritual values, folklore, and national identity of the Azerbaijani people. Novruz is a symbol of nature’s rebirth, a symbol of fertility. It’s widely celebrated in Azerbaijan as the symbol of winter's leaving and spring's coming, reports Euronews’ Arzu Khalilova from Baku.

Since restoring its independence, Azerbaijan has developed its historical past and rich traditions and national holidays, and Novruz started to be widely celebrated at state level as a national holiday. It’s been marked across the entire sovereign territory of Azerbaijan for more than 30 years.

The official celebration of Novruz holiday in Azerbaijan comes on March 21th - the beginning of the astronomical New Year. However, Azerbaijanis demonstratively celebrate it a month earlier. During four weeks before the holiday, a campfire is set on every Tuesday, and people, according to the tradition, must jump over the fire several times. Ilakhir Charshanba – the last Tuesday before the holiday is considered to be particularly important. This day is full of various ceremonial activities, which reflect the desire to provide well-being for family in the coming New year.

The preparation for Novruz takes much time. Streets and squares are decorated, trees are planted, new clothes are sewed, eggs are coloured, sweets are prepared (shakarbura, pakhlava, etc.) Every house has certainly on the table samani (green sprouts of wheat) and khoncha - a tray with sweets, nuts, candies dried fruits etc. Young people and children also enjoy games such as dasmalatdi (throwing kerchief), shalsallama (shaking the shawl), gurshagatdi (throwing the belt) and gurshagsallama (shaking the belt). Kosa-Kosa, Chovgan (polo), Fincan-Fincan (cups), Gashig oyunu (game with spoons) and clashing eggs. Symbolic characters of Nowruz are manifested by Kechel, Kosa, and Bahar gizi (Spring girl). Their meanings are: The period prior to Nowruz is embodied by Kechel as well as to indicate the renewal of nature, the fertility symbol is Kosa, while landscaping of nature is represented by Bahar gizi.

On this day, men as a traditional costume wear chokha (a long coat with a belt), a papakha (fur hat), and traditional boots. Women dress in silk or velvet dresses, often embroidered with gold or silver patterns, and wear headscarves or ornate headdresses with jewelry. These costumes add to the festive atmosphere of Novruz, showcasing the beauty of traditional craftsmanship while celebrating the arrival of spring.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhs celebrate Nauryz, the spring equinox, as a pivotal moment in nature’s renewal cycle—a profound blessing for nomads across the steppe, according to Euronews’ Astana correspondent Botagoz Marabayeva.

Historically, Nauryz carried deep significance, marking the earth’s awakening and the long-awaited revival of grazing lands essential for nomadic survival. Enduring winter’s scarcity was a testament to resilience, and simply reaching Nauryz signified continuity—both for households and bloodlines.

Back in the nomadic era, people would leave the warmth of their yurts at this time, as the melting snow allowed them, and go to visit friends and family in other settlements. The first question was: ”How did you pass through the winter?”

People no longer live in yurts in Kazakhstan but still wish to maintain close ties with their kin, and Nauryz presents just the right opportunity. Naturally, it is more visible in more rural regions than in the big cities.

In the western region of Mangistau for instance, each tribe will erect a yurt and prepare a feast in it. All the tribal yurts will be next to each other. The elders will meet and exchange news and the youth will get to meet each other and soak in the traditional customs. 

Today, Kazakhstan celebrates Nauryz with even greater enthusiasm and turns it into a display of national unity. The festival, now a 10-day spectacle known as Nauryznama, begins on March 14 with Amal or Reunion Day, when people visit elders and exchange warm greetings. The festival culminates on March 21–22, transforming cities into vibrant celebrations of Kazakh culture with festive yurts, traditional feasts, nomadic sports, and artisan fairs.

Turkey

Nevruz, which means "new day," is celebrated in Türkiye around the spring equinox, typically on March 21. The ancient festival, which has its roots in Persian traditions, marks the arrival of spring. Nevruz is also important in that it symbolizes renewal, unity of people and dreams about the future.

While it is not recognized as a national holiday in Türkiye, it holds the most significant cultural importance for the Kurdish and Alevi communities. The Nevruz is celebrated with vibrant festivities that bring people together to welcome the new season.

One of the most iconic customs in Türkiye during Nevruz is the lighting of bonfires. People gather to jump over the flames, a symbolic act to leave behind negativity and embrace good fortune for the next year. 

Folk dances, poetry readings, and traditional music performances are also central to the celebrations, creating a lively and communal atmosphere. 

Nevruz in Türkiye also features unique culinary traditions. Families prepare special dishes, often using fresh, seasonal ingredients to honor the arrival of spring.

Sharing food with loved ones is a key aspect of the celebration, emphasizing the themes of unity and renewal.

Compared to other countries, Nevruz in Türkiye is less formalized but equally cheerful.

While countries like Iran have official public holidays and rituals, celebrations in Türkiye are more community-driven and localized. The festival serves as a bridge between diverse cultural groups, highlighting shared heritage and fostering a sense of togetherness.

For Turkish people, Nevruz is more than just a celebration of spring; it is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to new beginnings.

Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, south of Kazakhstan, Nauryz—known locally as Navruz—is celebrated with great enthusiasm. A cherished tradition during this holiday is the preparation and sharing of sumalak, a thick, sweet dish made from sprouted wheat. The cooking process is a communal affair, with friends and family gathered around large cauldrons, taking turns stirring while making wishes for the year ahead.

For Uzbeks, Navruz is a symbol of national heritage and cultural pride. Families visit relatives, and the streets burst into celebration with folk music, dance, and vibrant festivities. Traditional bakhshi musicians captivate audiences with epic storytelling songs, while dance troupes perform Uzbek folk dances like Lazgi, famous for its expressive movements. The lively beats of the doira (frame drum) and the melodies of the nay (a flute-like instrument) set the rhythm as people join in the celebrations.

On this festive occasion, greetings of "Navruz mubarak!" or "Happy Navruz!" echo throughout the country, as people exchange warm wishes for prosperity and happiness. As Uzbekistan welcomes the new season, Navruz fosters a spirit of unity, renewal, and optimism, reminding all that every fresh start holds the promise of growth and joy.