Turkmenistan is celebrating the National Spring Festival, International Day of Nowruz, on a grand scale. The main festivities unfolded at the traditional "Nowruz ýaýlasy" square in the Ak Bugday district of the Ahal province, the official Turkmen media reported on Tuesday.
"Nowruz is associated with the renewal of life, humanism and unity, being the same for the whole world.The traditions associated with it are designed to strengthen relations between members of the international community based on the principles of peace, friendship, brotherhood and goodwill" President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov said in address to the nation on the occasion of the holiday.
The event was attended by representatives of the government, Heads and representatives of Mejlis, ministries and departments, public organizations, diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in Turkmenistan, media, and citizens from all over the country.
The improvised village on the "Nowruz ýaýlasy" site recreated the traditional lifestyle of Turkmen people. The ethnographic mini-performances reflected the customs associated with the celebration of Novruz, cooking, national games and handicrafts.
The National Spring Festival, the International Day of Nowruz, is widely celebrated in all provinces of Turkmenistan.
Novruz, inscribed on the World Intangible Cultural Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), marks the arrival of spring and renewal of nature.