Nauryz Festival Mongolia
The Nauryz Festival is a vibrant and significant celebration among the Mongol Kazakhs throughout Mongolia. As Mongolia’s largest ethnic minority, with approximately 100,000 Kazakhs residing primarily in the western provinces, this festival holds deep cultural and communal importance.
“Nauryz,” which translates to “new day,” marks the arrival of the spring equinox. Officially recognised as International Nauryz Day on March 21, the festivities can span from March 19 to 22, depending on local calendars and calculations of the vernal equinox. This celebration not only heralds the beginning of spring but also symbolises renewal and rejuvenation. While Nauryz is a state holiday for Mongol Kazakhs, it is also celebrated across Central Asia and in countries such as Georgia, India, Iran, China, and Turkey. In 2016, UNESCO recognised Nauryz by inscribing it on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Hospitality plays a central role in Mongol Kazakh culture, especially during Nauryz, when it is believed that the more generously one celebrates, the happier the coming year will be. A key tradition during Nauryz is gathering around a table adorned with symbolic objects representing purity, brightness, livelihood, and wealth to share a special meal with loved ones.
One of the festival’s culinary highlights is Nauryz koje, a nutrient-rich soup that is a must-have during the celebration. This delicious dish is made from seven ingredients: meat, water, flour, butter, millet (often substituted with rice or corn), salt, and milk. Each ingredient represents one of the seven vital elements of life: growth, luck, happiness, wealth, health, wisdom, and auspiciousness. It is believed that the more Nauryz koje you consume, the more prosperous your year will be.
The Nauryz Festival is often described by Kazakhs as ‘Ulystin uly kuni,’ meaning ‘the great day of the community.’ It is a time when people don their finest attire, visit family and friends—especially the elderly and neighbours—and exchange gifts, particularly with children. The festival also features street performances of traditional music and dance, as well as sports, fostering cultural diversity, tolerance, and community solidarity. These traditions are passed down through generations, ensuring their preservation and the strengthening of communal bonds.
In western Mongolia, the festivities include a colourful community parade in Ulgii, the provincial capital of Bayan-Ulgii Aimag, and informal eagle festivals in rural communities, adding a unique local flavor to the celebrations.
Nauryz is considered one of the oldest festivals in human history, with a legacy potentially spanning over 5,000 years. For the Mongol Kazakhs in Mongolia, Nauryz has evolved into a celebration of spring, labour, and unity, seamlessly blending tradition with modern life.
To explore more about Mongolia’s diverse festivals or to join us in celebrating Nauryz with the Mongol Kazakh families with whom we maintain long-term partnerships in western Mongolia, we invite you to experience this vibrant holiday firsthand. We look forward to celebrating with you. Наурыз құтты болсын!
Jess @ Eternal Landscapes
