Novruz in Azerbaijan
Novruz is a holiday in Azerbaijan.
When is Novruz in Azerbaijan
Novruz is celebrated on 20, March, 2023 in Azerbaijan.
About Novruz in Azerbaijan
Novruz is the traditional New Year holiday in Azerbaijan, celebrated on March 20-21, the day of the vernal equinox. It is a time of renewal and the beginning of spring, when people celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of the new agricultural season.
The holiday is celebrated for several days, with preparations beginning weeks in advance. Houses are cleaned and decorated, and special dishes are prepared, such as samani (a sweet pudding made from wheat sprouts), shakarbura (sweet pastries filled with nuts and sugar), and pilaf (a rice dish with meat and vegetables).
On the eve of Novruz, a bonfire is lit and people jump over it, symbolizing the purification of the soul and the beginning of a new year. The next day, families gather to visit relatives and friends, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional music and dancing.
Novruz is a time of unity and harmony, when people put aside their differences and come together to celebrate the new year. It is a deeply ingrained part of Azerbaijani culture and is recognized as a national holiday.
History of Novruz in Azerbaijan
Novruz is a traditional holiday celebrated in Azerbaijan and many other countries in the region, including Iran, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The holiday marks the beginning of spring and the start of a new year.
The origins of Novruz date back to ancient Zoroastrianism, a religion that was once widespread in the region. The holiday was originally celebrated as a religious festival to honor the god of fire, Ahura Mazda. Over time, the holiday evolved to become a secular celebration of spring and renewal.
Novruz was banned during the Soviet era, but it was revived in Azerbaijan after the country gained independence in 1991. Today, Novruz is one of the most important holidays in Azerbaijan, and it is celebrated with a variety of traditional customs and rituals.
One of the most important traditions of Novruz is the preparation of the haft-sin table. This is a table that is decorated with seven items that begin with the letter “s” in Azerbaijani. These items include samani (wheat sprouts), sumakh (a spice), serke (vinegar), sir (garlic), sabzi (herbs), senjed (dried fruit), and seb (apples).
Other customs associated with Novruz include jumping over bonfires, making wishes, and visiting friends and family. The holiday is also marked by the traditional Novruz Bayrami, a week-long festival that includes music, dancing, and other cultural events.
Overall, Novruz is a holiday that celebrates the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. It is a time for people to come together, share food and drink, and enjoy the company of friends and family.
How is Novruz celebrated in Azerbaijan
Novruz is a traditional and widely celebrated holiday in Azerbaijan, marking the beginning of spring and the renewal of nature. The celebrations usually last for several days, starting on March 20th or 21st, depending on the spring equinox.
Here are some of the ways Novruz is celebrated in Azerbaijan:
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Preparations: Before the holiday, people clean their homes, buy new clothes, and prepare traditional foods such as samani (sprouted wheat), shekerbura (sweet pastries), and pakhlava (a layered pastry).
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Bonfires: On the eve of Novruz, people light bonfires in public squares and parks. They jump over the flames, which symbolizes the purification of the soul and the renewal of life.
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Novruz table: On the first day of the holiday, families gather around a festive table called “Novruz Sofra.” The table is decorated with seven items that start with the letter “s” in Azerbaijani, such as sumakh (spice), samani (sprouted wheat), and sirke (vinegar). Each item has a symbolic meaning related to health, wealth, and happiness.
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Visiting relatives and friends: During the holiday, people visit their relatives and friends, exchange gifts, and share traditional foods.
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Traditional games: Children play traditional games such as “kosa kosa” (a game of tag), “zorkhana” (a wrestling game), and “bayram oyunlari” (holiday games).
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Music and dance: Novruz is a time for music and dance. People gather in public squares and parks to listen to traditional music and watch performances by local dance groups.
Overall, Novruz is a time for joy, renewal, and togetherness in Azerbaijan.
Dates
Novruz will be celebrated in Azerbaijan on 2023-03-20, 2023-03-21, 2023-03-22, 2023-03-23, 2023-03-24, 2024-03-20, 2024-03-21, 2024-03-22, 2024-03-23, 2024-03-24, 2025-03-20, 2025-03-21, 2025-03-22, 2025-03-23, 2025-03-24, 2026-03-22, 2026-03-23, 2026-03-24, 2027-03-20, 2027-03-21, 2027-03-22, 2027-03-23, 2027-03-24 in the comming years.