Today, March 22nd, in accordance with the "Nauryznama" decameron, marks the beginning of the year. It is known that the word "Nauryz," translated from Persian, means "new day." In the calendars of Eastern peoples, the end of winter, the renewal of nature, and the onset of spring signified a transition to the New Year. Accordingly, in the "Nauryznama" program adopted in our country, March 22nd is designated as the "Beginning of the Year."

Nauryz is the most ancient and revered holiday of the Kazakh people. Its historical roots date back to the ancient calendars of Assyria and Babylon. The Chaldeans (the people of Babylon) created a system of time measurement related to the moon's movement and natural phenomena. They perceived the blooming of nature and the beginning of a new phase of life as the "New Year." Later, in 558 BC, after the ancient Persians conquered the lands of the Chaldeans, they began to use their calendar. Consequently, the concept of "new day" was translated into Persian, giving rise to the names "nou" – new, and "ruz" – day.

As humanity's way of life has been closely linked to nature, the spring period of renewal holds special significance. In this regard, the Nauryz holiday is an ancient celebration common not only to Kazakhs but also to other peoples. For instance, the ancient Greeks called it "Patrikh," Tajiks "Gulnauryz," Tatars "Nausaryz," Armenians "Navasardi," and Chuvashes "Noris oyakhе." This evidence indicates that for many peoples, the New Year began in March.

Nauryz is not just a natural phenomenon signifying the arrival of spring, but also a cultural phenomenon aimed at preserving the people's worldview, customs, traditions, and historical memory. Therefore, in the understanding of the Kazakh people, it is called the "Great Day of the People." On this day, people shared good wishes with each other, reconciled with those they had offended, elders gave blessings to the youth, and a white dastarkhan (tablecloth) was spread. They wished: "May the year be blessed, may the livestock be blessed!" There is a proverb among the people: "If you come on the day of Ulys, forgive even your father's debts." This means it called for forgiveness, magnanimity, mercy, and unity. Such benevolent traditions have enhanced the importance of the Nauryz holiday in society and made it a national celebration.

However, there have been periods in history when the Kazakh people did not celebrate this holiday. Exactly one hundred years ago, in 1926, the Soviet government officially banned the celebration of Nauryz. False accusations were made, labeling it a "religious holiday" and a "vestige of the past." Then, in 1988, the national holiday was revived on Kazakh soil and celebrated after sixty-two years. At that time, the Nauryz holiday was officially celebrated in the Kalinin district of Almaty (now Bostandyk), the capital city. Consequently, continuing traditionally year after year, it was declared a national holiday in our country in 1991. A decade later, in 2001, the president signed a decree declaring it a state holiday, and since 2009, it has been celebrated for three consecutive days – March 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. Currently, the "Nauryznama" decameron, held across the country, was established in 2024 on the initiative of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This is viewed not just as a one-day celebration but as a period for people to meet, initiate good deeds, and strengthen peace and harmony.

Since then, various events, fairs, meetings, and national sports competitions have been consistently organized annually at Abai University in accordance with the "Nauryznama" decameron. Within the framework of the decameron, which begins with the Amall festival, students and staff express good wishes to each other, hold charity fairs, and promote national customs and traditions. Students are thoroughly educated on family values, new initiatives are supported, and special emphasis is placed on the development of national sports. Ecological campaigns are organized, and projects aimed at the cleanliness and safety of Mother Earth are implemented.

Last Friday, the holiday of the new year – Az-Nauryz – was widely celebrated at Abai University, becoming a celebration that honored the national spirit. The customs and traditions of our people were showcased, dozens of yurts were erected, and the main festive dish, "Nauryz kozhe," was prepared. This momentous date is a day to reflect on the past with respect and take steps geared towards the future. Stepping into the new day, the university will continue its planned work in the new year.

"Abai University" Media Center