Nowruz will Bring the Spring
New Year in the solar calendar is one of the oldest holidays of the Turkic peoples: Nowruz, as it is called, is loved and awaited by many, including the residents of Omsk region. On a warm April day, the national cultural associations of Kazakhs, Tatars, Kirghizes, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Azerbaijanis and Kurds held a big festive program together united by the Omsk House of Friendship.
Procession/Prologue
It all starts with a procession on the square near the House of Friendship
Representatives of several districts of the Omsk region gathered for the holiday
In the rays of the sun, the bright national costumes look amazing
Ethnic diversity is the strength and pride of our country
Choreographic prologue opens the concert program
As required by tradition, sweets will be showered on everyone present very soon
Nowruz is a folk holiday, but everyone liked the imam’s words of advice
The official part will end soon — just in a few minutes
One should not miss the warm words of the representative of the regional government
Everyone listens attentively: both young and old
The heads of national cultural associations take the stage
One by one, they all address the audience in their native languages
Well, the congratulations are all over, and now we can plunge into the celebration!
Sweets fly into the air: if Nowruz is generous, then the whole year will be favorable too
There is also a place for festive dishes in the dance performances
Those who decided to stay near the stage will get the maximum of positive emotions
Rousing rhythms and talented kids — what else do we need for a good mood?
When emotions overwhelm, we want to share them with the whole world
Interactive Sites
Meanwhile let’s take a walk around the whole square: we’ll start with the trading tents
Fragrant pilaf gains attention at the first sight
It is absolutely impossible to leave Nowruz hungry
Kazakh baursaks are being cooked rapidly right in front of the guests
People are grabbing these fresh diamond-shaped donuts no less rapidly
Tatar cuisine is represented widely
Everybody wants to get some Azerbaijani confectionery products
Nowruz recipes are different for every nation, and it’s quite a challenge to try all the dishes!
At least take a couple of delicious Uzbek tortillas home, if you are not a sweet tooth
Many interactive playgrounds are sports
Themed photo zones are popular too
But the most expressive shots one can take in motion and in real competition
Younger schoolkids are participating in the relay race
Folk songs are heard everywhere (at some distance from the stage)
Not everyone can break a pot blindfolded, but everyone can advise when to hit
Alley of Craftsmen is full of artisan creations
Do you want to hear about Uzbek culture? Its bearer will willingly tell you everything
Funny figurines ironically play off the typical images of Asia
Some national costumes can be tried on…
...and some are just for admiring
The organizers also visit each other’s tents for unusual memorable pictures
Concert Program
The three-hour concert program does not stop for a minute
Uzbek dance “Bukhara” is light and airy
It is performed by “Azhar” choreographic group
The melodies of Nowruz symbolize renewal and spring awakening
Tatar ensemble “Laysan” presents the “Morning Song”
Charismatic artists bask in the rays of the sun
There are a lot of people willing to be on the stage
Just a quick reminder: the artists from the whole Omsk Region came to the City of Omsk
The House of Friendship has always strived to discover and promote talents
“Shusha” ensemble plays Azerbaijani music
These songs have a full oriental flavor
If the musicians are smiling, the audience will definitely smile too!
Only akyn’s improvisation is not intended to surprise or entertain
But people are grateful for such an excursion into the history of Kazakh culture
More and more performers come on stage, and Nowruz continues
Kuresh Wrestling
Meanwhile, a Kuresh wrestling competition is taking place on the square
This is probably the most popular holiday site
Since ancient times, wrestling matches have been held as part of public events
The judges award points for each technique used…
…but the main goal of the fight is to technically put the opponent on both shoulders
Every win takes the fighter to the next round, thus leading him to the finals
Wrestling is an intellectual sport: it is important to calculate the opponent’s behavior
Viewers cheer excitedly for those they know personally
In controversial situations, the judge calmly explains the rules
And here comes the duel for the first place among the adults!
The outcome of the tournament will be decided in a matter of minutes
The meeting of the finalists is inherently a hell of a struggle
But still, the main hero of the holiday is determined!
Paying homage to an opponent is a mandatory attribute of wrestling competitions
Natalia Stepanova, Director of the House of Friendship, opens the award ceremony
All the winners of Kuresh represent the Omsk “Community of Tajik People”
Many friends and acquaintances are sincerely happy for the winners
In addition to fame, the absolute winner traditionally is gifted a live ram!
Epilogue
The grand finale of the concert brings the most inspiring acts
Artists sing about spring, youth and how wonderful life is
The Tatar song of “Idel” ensemble awakens the warmest feelings
This is how this Omsk Nowruz will be remembered: bright, musical, and very kind
Kazakh dance ensemble “Aigerim” delivers a powerful closing performance
All participants and guests of the holiday will rush into the future with the new hopes
