March 14 is the Day of Amal, when people who have survived the winter meet each other, forgetting grievances and turning towards the new year with pure intentions. This day, previously celebrated mainly in the western regions of the country, was sometimes called the "Day of Meeting" (Kórisý kúnі).

It is no secret that in recent years, the Day of Amal has begun to be actively integrated into society as a common Kazakh holiday. It cannot be denied that initially its name "Kórisý kúnі," as spoken in the western region, sounded unusual to other areas and was not immediately accepted. Nevertheless, thanks to the name "Amal Merekesi" (Festival of Deeds/Actions), as well as actions aimed at strengthening unity among relatives, the joint implementation of good deeds through "asar" (collective labor), younger people visiting elders to express their respect, and the mutual assistance of people who have gone through hard times ("the fat grows thin, and the thin breaks"), and the reunions of those who haven't seen each other for a long time to inquire about their lives, this holiday has spread across all of Kazakhstan with good intentions as a majestic tradition based on numerous spiritual and humanitarian deeds.

Currently, it is known that the Day of Amal has been declared the first day of the "Nauryznama" ten-day celebration at the state level. On this day, relatives and neighbors shake hands and pat each other on the shoulder. They congratulate each other on the successful completion of the year and month and receive blessings from elders. This is not just a simple greeting, but a ritual of forgiving past grievances, strengthening kinship ties, and starting a new phase with a pure heart.

In historical sources, the place of this day is interpreted differently. Some claim that at the beginning of the 20th century, when the calendar was changed from Julian to Gregorian, 13 days were added, and therefore the day that was previously considered March 1st corresponds to today's March 14th. There is also an opinion that the name "Amal" comes from the ancient Persian month "Hamal."

The celebration of Nauryz previously lasted for several days, with each day distinguished by its unique rituals. According to chroniclers, respected individuals at that time organized "Nauryz-duman" for the people, the magnificence of which sometimes surpassed even large feasts and weddings. In continuation of this tradition, a ten-day program has been organized throughout the country today.

Therefore, on the Day of Amal, each of us should take the first step towards reconciliation with those who have offended us, wish them well, and sincerely express our best wishes, as well as inquire about the well-being of those we should visit. And is there anything wrong with refreshing our souls on such a joyous holiday in a society consumed by gadgets and virtual life?! Such a holiday also offers much in terms of educating children and adolescents, the future of the country. That is, first and foremost, we ourselves must understand that nothing prevents us from making every day, every moment, a symbol of warm reunions among relatives and friends and the pursuit of peace.

The Day of Amal is a beautiful moment that heralds the first breath of spring and merges with the renewal of nature. It is a sign of our people's spiritual continuity, who enter the new year with a pure heart, holding no grudges against the past.

"Abai University" Media Center