Nauryz Celebrations as a Period of Cultural Integration for International Students

International students at the Department of Language and General Education Training for Foreigners (Faculty of Pre-university Education) annually participate in Nauryz celebrations held at the faculty and university levels. During advisory hours, students learn about the history of Nauryz, how it is celebrated in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries, and its folk traditions and customs. It is a holiday of spring, the renewal of nature, and the beginning of a new year and a new life. The UN General Assembly has officially proclaimed March 21 as the International Day of Nauryz, calling on all countries to promote this ancient holiday globally.

Advisors explained that from March 14 to March 23, Kazakhstan observes the "Nauryznama" decade—a series of festive and cultural events where each day is thematically linked to specific social and environmental values.

For instance, March 19 is "Zhanaru Kuni" (Renewal Day), symbolizing change, growth, and progress. On this day, environmental campaigns for planting trees take place across the country, serving as a symbol of renewal in all spheres of life. During this period, Kazakhstan emphasizes the importance of sustainable resource management and the fight against climate change.

Students were keen to learn how Nauryz is celebrated in Almaty. The city hosts children's carnivals, aitysh, national costume shows, musical performances, theatrical plays, handicraft exhibitions, sports competitions, and national games. In the streets, people cook traditional pilaf, baursaks, and Nauryz-kozhe. Folk belief suggests that the more joyfully and generously Nauryz is celebrated, the more generous nature will be, ensuring a prosperous year ahead.

These organized events and advisory hours on Nauryz help international students develop academic and cognitive interests, expand their knowledge of the country’s culture, and encourage a deeper study of the Russian and Kazakh languages.

K.S. Yakubayeva,

Associate Professor of the Department of Language and General Education Training for Foreigners,

Faculty of Pre-university Education, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.