Nowruz Bayram, also known as Persian New Year, is a significant holiday celebrated in Turkmenistan and various countries across the Middle East, Central and South Asia. This celebration marks the beginning of the New Year in the Persian calendar, coinciding with the vernal equinox, when the day and night are approximately the same length. The holiday's history dates back more than 3,000 years, originating in Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest continuously practiced religions.
In Turkmenistan, Nowruz Bayram is characterized by a multitude of cultural practices and traditions. The celebration lasts for several days and is declared a public holiday. It begins with extensive cleaning and adaptations in homes, symbolizing a fresh start. Families gather together for special meals, typically including national dishes such as 'plov' (a rice dish), baking bread, sweets and a variety of other foods. The dressing-up in new clothes and visiting friends and relatives is also a significant part of the Nowruz traditions in Turkmenistan.
One of the key elements of Nowruz in Turkramenistan is the festive concerts, folk games, horse races, and other cultural performances. Amusement parks open their doors, and cities are filled with cheerful and buoyant crowds. Traditional Turkmen sporting events, such as 'kopkari' (a horse-riding game) and 'göres' (a Turkmen version of wrestling), are also common during the celebration. All of these activities are aimed at promoting unity, renewal, and the appreciation of the coming of spring.