The New Year Holiday in Kyrgyzstan is a vibrant and festive time that is celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervor. This holiday, which marks the beginning of a new calendar year, is one of the most awaited and cherished holidays in the country. Many Kyrgyz people look forward to this period to enjoy family gatherings, delectable food, and the beginning of a fresh start. Homes, streets, and public places are decorated with lights and ornaments, and New Year trees are a common sight.
As the New Year's Eve counts down to midnight, people in Kyrgyzstan gather around their televisions to watch the President deliver his annual New Year speech. It is a tradition for families to make a festive feast, complete with 'Oromo', a national dish, along with sweets and fruits. The spirit of unity and togetherness is palpable as both young and old celebrate. Fireworks light up the night sky and downtown areas become filled with parades, outdoor concerts and ice sculptures.
Gift-giving is also a staple during the New Year holiday in Kyrgyzstan. It's a common sight to see Father Frost, known as Ayaz Ata in Kyrgyz culture, accompanied by his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden, handing out gifts to children. Street dances and public games are organized, keeping the festive mood enduring well into the start of the New Year. The holiday isn't solely about grandeur and merry-making; it's also a time for people to reflect on the past year, nurture hopes for the new year, and share their joys and blessings with their loved ones.