March 14 is the Amal holiday, when people who have safely made it through the winter meet one another, forget past grievances, and turn toward the new year with pure intentions. This day was previously celebrated mostly in the western regions of the country and was sometimes called the “Day of Greeting” (“Korisu Day”).

It is no secret that in recent years the Amal holiday has begun to be introduced to society as a celebration common to all Kazakhs. At first, the name “Korisu Day,” as it was called in the western regions, sounded unusual to people in other areas and was not immediately accepted. Nevertheless, the name “Amal Holiday,” along with actions aimed at strengthening unity among relatives, carrying out good deeds together in the spirit of mutual support, younger people visiting elders to greet them, helping one another during the long late-winter period when “the strong grow thinner and the weak may break,” and the reunion of people who have not seen each other for a long time and asking about each other’s well-being – these and many other spiritual and humanitarian practices have helped the holiday spread across Kazakhstan with goodwill as a respected tradition.

Today, it is known that the holiday has been taken up at the state level and declared the first day of the ten-day celebration known as “Nauryznama.” On this day, relatives and neighbors greet each other, shake hands, and exchange warm embraces. They congratulate one another on safely passing the year and the month and receive blessings from elders. It is not just a simple greeting; people forget past resentments, strengthen family ties, and step into a new stage with a sincere and open heart.

Historical sources explain the significance of this day in different ways. Some believe that in the early twentieth century, when the calendar changed and the transition was made from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, the number of days increased by 13. As a result, the day that was previously considered March 1 corresponds to March 14 in today’s calendar. There is also an opinion that the name “Amal” originates from the ancient Persian month “Hamal.”

In the past, the Nauryz holiday lasted for several days, and each day had its own customs and rituals. According to genealogists and historians, prominent figures of that time organized Nauryz festivities for the people, and their splendor sometimes surpassed even large feasts and celebrations. As a continuation of this tradition, a ten-day celebration is now held throughout the country.

Therefore, during the Amal holiday, there is nothing wrong with each of us taking the first step toward reconciliation with those we may have had disagreements with, offering kind wishes, sincerely expressing warm feelings, and asking about the well-being of people whose condition we should care about. On the contrary, in a society absorbed in gadgets and virtual life, what could be better than uplifting the spirit during such a heartfelt celebration? Such a holiday is also very valuable from the perspective of educating children and teenagers – the future of the nation. In other words, nothing prevents us from making every day and every moment a symbol of warm reunions and the pursuit of harmony among relatives and community members; first of all, we ourselves must understand this.

The Amal holiday is a wonderful moment that brings the first breath of spring and coincides with the renewal of nature. It is a sign of the spiritual continuity of our people, who step into the new year with pure hearts, leaving past grievances behind.

“Abai University” Media Center