On March 14, Kazakhstan will officially launch the nationwide Nauryznama Decade, which takes on a deeper significance this year. In 2024, under the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a new format for celebrating Nauryz Meiramy was introduced—the Nauryznama Decade, along with a new official holiday logo. The three tulips featured in the "Nauryz" logo symbolize Kazakhstan’s past, present, and future.

Historically, Nauryznama represents a cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. In Kazakh culture, the tradition of celebrating Nauryz has never been limited to just one day. While Nauryz is recognized as an international holiday celebrated across Central Asia, the Middle East, the Caucasus, and the Balkans, Nauryznama is a distinctly Kazakh national celebration of the Great Steppe, traditionally lasting at least eight days. This was documented by the great Abai and the renowned ethnographer Mashkhur Zhusip Kopeuly. Thus, Nauryznama is not an artificial innovation but a revival of a long-standing cultural tradition, where celebrations have always been multi-layered and extended over several days. In 2024, over 800 events were organized across Kazakhstan as part of the decade-long celebrations, including exhibitions, festivals, literary and musical evenings, charity initiatives, cultural and sports events, and much more.

This unique festival unites people of all ages and social backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of unity, mutual understanding, and respect for national traditions. The central idea of Nauryz is to serve as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting different cultures and traditions within Kazakhstan. In his annual Nauryz greeting, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that "for centuries, our ancestors welcomed Nauryz as the beginning of the year. Today, it has become a nationwide celebration, embraced by all, regardless of ethnic or religious background."

The new format of Nauryznama, where each day of the decade is dedicated to a specific aspect of society, adds deeper meaning to the celebration and underscores the belief that renewal should touch all spheres—from personal relationships to social values. The thematic days of Nauryznama reflect the core aspects of Kazakh culture and national values: "Körısu – Amal merekesı" (Day of Greetings, Warm Reunions, and Good Wishes), "Qaiyrymdylyq" (Day of Charity), "Mädeniet jäne ūlttyq salt-dästür" (Day of Culture and National Traditions), "Şañyraq" (Day of Family), "Ūlttyq kiım" (Day of National Attire), "Jañaru" (Day of Renewal), "Ūlttyq sport" (Day of National Sports), "Yntymaq" (Day of Unity and Solidarity), "Jyl basy" (New Year), and "Tazaru" (Day of Purification).

Beyond its role in strengthening national unity, Nauryznama also serves as an important cultural and tourism brand for Kazakhstan, akin to Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival, Japan’s cherry blossom season, India’s Holi Festival, Germany’s Oktoberfest, Spain’s San Fermín Festival, or La Tomatina. The ten-day format offers a festival cycle, where each day provides tourists with new immersive experiences, including traditional games, gastronomy, ethnic performances, national music, handicrafts, and contemporary arts.

This year, more than 1,500 events are planned across Kazakhstan as part of the Nauryznama Decade, aimed at promoting national traditions, culture, and history. Among the highlights are the "Qamajai" flash mob in Astana, the "Nauryz-Arbat" project in Akmola Region, featuring representatives from the creative industries and applied arts, the "Kimeşekter şeruı" parade in Kokshetau, expected to gather over 1,000 women, and the "Ūlttyq kiım – ūlt beinesı" national costume parade in Aktobe, along with many other cultural and festive events nationwide.

Press Service of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan