Navruz unites: Celebrating joy, unity and hope for a prosperous tomorrow

• Navruz marks the arrival of spring, the rejuvenation of nature, the beginning of agricultural activities, and the vernal equinox

• The delightful occasion symbolizes the commencement of the solar calendar’s New Year, promoting inclusivity, harmony with nature, and the preservation of customs across generations.

On March 21, as Tajikistan celebrates Navruz, the traditional New Year of our ancient people, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Tajikistan, our compatriots in Kuwait, and all those in the Navruz civilization basin on this historic occasion.

Navruz and our other national holidays – Sada, Tirgon, and Mehrgon – are unique phenomena that have played a significant role in our people’s history for thousands of years, contributing to the permanence of our Tajik heritage.

Navruz marks the arrival of spring, the rejuvenation of nature, the beginning of agricultural activities, and the vernal equinox. The term Navruz translates to “new day,” signifying the start of a new solar year. This delightful occasion symbolizes the commencement of the solar calendar’s New Year, promoting inclusivity, harmony with nature, and the preservation of customs across generations.

The most significant aspect in the history of Navruz’s emergence and spread is that its philosophy, wisdom, and logic are not associated with any religion or religious movement; rather, it is a purely folk ritual, equally significant for everyone. Navruz is a celebration of nature and agriculture, marking the beginning of the year.

The reason for Navruz’s widespread adoption across a vast geographical area is rooted in its essence as a natural and essentially public holiday, embodying the idea of equality among people.

Thanks to the essence of Navruz, both young and old can freely and equally celebrate and participate in festive events.

Another humane wisdom of Navruz is its role in eradicating hatred and enmity, fostering forgiveness for each other’s sins, promoting tolerance and mutual understanding, and thus contributing to the stability of society.

The social and moral significance of Navruz is significant, reflecting the creative and humane thinking of our people since ancient times.

The customs and traditions of Navruz embody outstanding phenomena of humanism and high spirituality. Recognizing their truth contributes to spiritual self-awareness, national self-consciousness, and the expansion of moral culture within society.

In this regard, we proudly underline that Navruz, with all its rich and colorful history, has been revived in our country thanks to state independence. It embodies richness and diversity as a symbol of a new day, the beginning of a new year, and new initiatives, becoming the best means of national self-knowledge, self-awareness, unity, and mutual understanding among the people.

It is heartening to observe that this age-old traditional festivity of our cultures is widely embraced and celebrated with enthusiasm by many across the global community.

In a notable milestone, on March 21, 2010, at the behest of Navruz-region countries, the United Nations announced Navruz as an International Holiday through a Resolution.

The acknowledgment of Navruz as an International Holiday by the United Nations underscores global reverence for this culturally rich and humanistic celebration, symbolizing the beauty of nature’s rejuvenation.

Furthermore, in 2016, Navruz was added to UNESCO’s Representative List, endorsed by 12 nations worldwide.

Numerous historical, literary, and artistic sources delve into the history of Navruz, inspiring valuable writings by Tajik and international scholars. Works such as “Shohnoma” by Hakim Firdavsi, “Navruznoma” by Umar Khayyom, and writings by Abu Raihon al-Biruni and Abulsaid Gardezi attribute Jamshed as the founder of Navruz.

Navruz festivities during the Samanid era were grandly celebrated, as documented in literary and historical records. Renowned poets like Rudaki, Firdavsi, and Daqiqi eloquently expressed their love for Navruz, painting vivid pictures of spring through their words.

The onset of Navruz is joyously announced by children who engage in a delightful tradition of presenting flowers to others. Weeks before Navruz, they gather spring flowers like snowdrops and yellow blooms from mountains and ridges, spreading cheer by visiting households. In return, they receive treats like cakes, sweets, raisins, and nuts.

Preparations for Navruz commence weeks ahead, with women and girls meticulously cleaning and arranging homes, symbolizing purity and new beginnings.

During Navruz, Tajiks prepare an array of delectable dishes and beverages, with Sumanak, a wheatgrass-based dish, being a significant highlight symbolizing nature’s renewal and vitality.

Traditionally, seven fruits adorn the Navruz table, each representing blessings and health, including apples, pomegranates, grapes, and various nuts and dried fruits.

Spring-themed dishes made from fresh herbs and grains are savored during Navruz, embodying nature’s nourishing bounty and New Year’s blessings.

An ancient custom during Navruz involves reconciling disputes and fostering harmony, emphasizing kindness and unity as the New Year begins. Festivities also include sports competitions like wrestling, horseback riding, and running.

Numerous songs and poems celebrate Navruz, echoing sentiments of joy, hope for a prosperous future, respect for nature, and social values.

As the saying goes, “A good spring heralds a good year.” May the rejuvenating spirit of spring imbue every individual’s life with vitality and purpose, and may Navruz bring abundance and happiness to every home. Wishing everyone a joyous Navruz, celebrating the renewal of life and the vernal equinox!

In conclusion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Tajikistan, including both the young and the older generations, as well as our compatriots in Kuwait and Tajiks worldwide, on the celebration of International Day of Navruz. May every family in our country find happiness, prosperity, and peace, and may Tajikistan continue to thrive in peace and unity.

Happy Navruz!