26.03.2018  NovSU introduced the Iranian-Turkic holiday Novruz to Novgorodians

This Sunday, March 25, at 3 p.m. the introductory event dedicated to the holiday of Novruz was held at the NovSU dormitory (9, Soviet Army st.). This event took place within the framework of the Veliky Novgorod implementation of the state national policy in joint measures aimed at harmonizing interethnic relations and preventing extremism, especially among the youth.

The 1st Vice Rector of NovSU Almaz Sulaymanov, Vice Rector of Social Development and Educational Work Daniil Krapchunov, President of the Azerbaijani cultural center “Bakinets” Elshad Kurbanov, Novgorod Regional Public Organization of the people of Tajikistan "Shuro", representatives of the Shimsky District Culture House and more than 100 guests participated in the event.

The guests got acquainted with the traditions for celebration of Novruz: national dances, songs, Eastern national cuisine.

For reference: Novruz is the first day of the Iranian calendar, the beginning of Spring. It is the Equinox Day and it represents equality of day and night; the beginning of the season of growth and prosperity. The very word Novruz means “new day” in the Tajik-Persian language.

International holiday of Novruz is a celebration of the new year according to the astronomical calendar of the Iranian and Turkic nations. Novruz is a national tradition that has no direct relation to Islamic customs. The origin of this holiday has its roots in the pre-literary era of human history.

According to the ancient custom, people were supposed to clean their houses and pay their debts before Novruz. The festive tables were set with round loafs of wheat, barley, millet, corn, beans, peas, lentils, rice, sesame and beans. Traditional dishes for Novruz are made from seven products, mainly vegetables and groats. The most famous holiday dish Sumalak is cooked from sprouted wheat germs.

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