The people of Turkmenistan welcome the National Spring Holiday – International Nowruz Day in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and joy, with the kindest hopes. Following tradition, the main celebrations unfolded at the "Nowruz ýaýlasy" site in Ak Bugday etrap of Ahal velayat.
Since ancient times, Nowruz has symbolized the awakening of nature and the renewal of life. With the arrival of spring, everything around transforms before one's eyes, blooming with vibrant colors, and the earth is dressed in an emerald attire. The picturesque natural beauty of the Kopetdag foothills, the invigorating clean air filled with the aroma of herbs and flowers, give everyone a lifted mood. The centuries-old traditions and customs of this bright holiday, occupying a worthy place in the rich cultural heritage of the Turkmen people, acquire new meaning in the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state.
As is known, in 2009, Nowruz was included in UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. And in 2010, at the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, under the agenda item "Culture of Peace," a resolution was adopted to celebrate March 21 as International Nowruz Day. This became evidence of the recognition of the significance and role of this wonderful holiday in strengthening friendly relations and solidarity between peoples. Thus, Nowruz is a beautiful example of fruitful intercultural dialogue, embodying the unbreakable connection of times and the continuity of generations, the unshakeability of universal humanistic values.
In his congratulatory address to his compatriots, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasizes: "In the International Year of Peace and Trust, when the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality is widely celebrated, the historical significance of the National Spring Holiday – International Nowruz Day – increases even more." As the head of state notes, this holiday awakens pure feelings, love, beauty, and peace in people's hearts. "Having historical roots going back thousands of years, Nowruz has been an integral part of the life and culture of Eastern peoples since ancient times. The traditions of Nowruz reflect the uniqueness of each nation, strengthening friendship, unity, peace, and trust between peoples," it is highlighted in the President's festive address.
Today, "Nowruz ýaýlasy" is filled with the atmosphere of a grand Turkmen toi, with music and songs sounding. The festive celebrations reflect deeply meaningful works by the Hero-Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar, as well as the wise traditions and customs of our people, whose mentality has always been based on peace-loving, good neighborliness, friendliness, and openness, diligence, and a striving for creativity.
In the improvised village spread out at "Nowruz ýaýlasy" with elegant yurts, one can get a vivid representation of the way of life of the Turkmen people, their wise family traditions and rituals, and the peculiarities of rural life. Here, a panorama of rich national decorative and applied arts and crafts is also unfolded.