holidays of kazakhstan essay

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Holidays and weekends in the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2024 Printable version

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* Extending the holidays  In the event that a national holiday falls on weekend (Saturday or Sunday), the days-off shall be extended by one day.

First day of Qurban Ait, celebrated by Muslim calendar, the 7 th  of January - Orthodox Christmas are nonworking days (without extending).

In 2024 the first day of Qurban Ait is on June 17 .

Additional information: 

According to paragraph 3 of Article 85 of the Labor Code of the RK  for efficient usage of working in the period of holidays the Government has a right to carry days-off to other working days.

Holidays and weekends in the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2023

* Extending the holidays 

In the event that a national holiday falls on weekend (Saturday or Sunday), the days-off shall be extended by one day.

In 2023 the first day of Qurban Ait is on June 28 .

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Holidays in Kazakhstan

Public Holidays in Kazakhstan in 2024

Public holidays in kazakhstan in 2025.

Kazakhstan, the ninth largest country in the world, embraces many nationalities who have contributed to the evolution of the nation’s public holidays. Below we have listed the major Kazakhstan holidays, each of which is likely to invoke in visitors the tourism slogan of Kazakhstan - “Very Nice!”

Kazakhstan began celebrating the New Year in accordance with European traditions while under Russian rule in the mid-19th century, and today it is one of the country’s most beloved holidays.

In Kazakhstan, the heroes of New Year are Ayaz Ata (Santa Claus) and his granddaughter Qar Qiz (Snow Girl). Together they deliver bags of gifts and plenty of cheer to homes and schoolrooms across the country. Long after children grow into adults, the magic created for them by parents and relatives over the New Year remains etched in their minds as they recreate a festive atmosphere for the next generation.

At midnight on December 31st, people welcome the New Year with exuberant words of congratulations accompanied by ample fireworks, heartfelt toasts and mouthwatering feasts shared with family and friends. Although traditionally a family holiday, some residents of Kazakhstan’s larger cities now prefer to spend New Year's Eve at special events held in many restaurants and bars . Read more...

Along with the entire Orthodox Christian world, Orthodox residents of Kazakhstan celebrate Christmas on January 7th. Church bells chime and festive liturgies are recited in Orthodox churches across the country. The main service is held in Assumption Cathedral in capital city Astana, the largest Orthodox church in Central Asia which can accommodate up to four thousand persons. After the service, it is customary for believers to visit relatives and friends, congratulating each other with gifts, sweets and special Christmas presents for children.

In 2005, Orthodox Christmas was declared an official holiday in Kazakhstan, and today the holiday is observed by many people in the country regardless of their religion or ethnicity.

International Women's Day, now celebrated in many countries throughout the world, has long been counted among the major national holidays in Kazakhstan. Its history dates back to 1908 when more than fifteen thousand women gathered in the streets of New York to fight for their equality and demand shorter working hours, better paying conditions and the dismissal of child labor. Two years later, at an international conference in Copenhagen, Clara Zetkin established an international day on which women could unite to draw attention to their plight through rallies, processions and demonstrations.

In Kazakhstan, March 8 became a non-working holiday in 1966. On the eve of the holiday, the head of state honours mothers with multiple children and other successful women with state awards. Men give flowers and gifts to the women in their lives in a show of respect and admiration, and events which celebrate women and their unique role in society are held at schools, businesses and public venues. Read more...

Nauryz (Navruz), the holiday of the spring equinox, is observed in Kazakhstan and many other eastern nations as a symbol of spring, new beginnings, prosperity and unity.

The history of the holiday has its roots in the pagan rituals of the pre-Islamic period. In former times, Nauryz was called the "Great Day of the Ulus (Nation)" and it was believed that the more elaborate the celebration, the more prosperous the coming year would be.

Nauryz remains one of the most important national holidays of Kazakhstan, where Kazakhs celebrate in their own unique way as they seek to preserve as many traditions passed down from their ancestors as possible. It is believed that on the eve of the holiday all debts should be paid, quarreling should cease and the whole house be put in order.

Each family prepares a special feast, or dastarkhan. The main dish is navruz-kozhe, a rich soup traditionally made from 7 ingredients - milk, meat, butter, millet, rice, raisins and corn. Although the precise ingredients may vary (one can add cottage cheese instead of rice, for example), the number of ingredients used in the dish must always be 7, the number of luck and prosperity considered essential for the Navruz celebration. In ancient times navruz-kozhe was poured into seven bowls to feed 7 persons. It was important to invite 7 guests to your home on this day and for each person to visit 7 houses in turn.

Today Nauryz reflects the implementation of centuries-old folk traditions with modern culture. People celebrate with concerts and theatrical performances, a variety of tasty national dishes, traditional sports and games and lively intellectual battles of the akyns, or Kazakh folk poets. Read more...

Kazakhstan People’s Unity Day was established in 1996, replacing the International Day of Workers that was celebrated during the Soviet era. Representatives of more than 150 nationalities have lived in Kazakhstan for many centuries, and on this day the people of Kazakhstan celebrate “Unity in Diversity”, one of the main principles espoused in the country. Various concerts, festivals and sports competitions are held in every city across the nation. Museums, theaters and libraries offer performances and exhibitions, demonstrating the equal respect shown toward each ethnic group in the country. Read more...

On May 7, 1992, a decree was signed to create the National Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and in 2012 the day was declared a national holiday. On this day, the people of Kazakhstan pay tribute to their veterans, who are presented with awards and honorary military titles by the authorities. Open-air concerts are typically held at city squares, along with military parades and demonstrations of elaborate military exercises.

The Allied defeat of Nazi Germany is celebrated in Kazakhstan on May 9 in touching displays of respect and honor toward those who lost their lives in World War II. More than a million soldiers from Kazakhstan fought in the ranks of the Soviet army during the war, with more than a hundred thousand Kazakhstanis awarded for their courage and heroic acts.

Massive celebrations are organized in the country on this day, including military parades and the Immortal Regiment March comprised of a grand procession of the war heroes’ grateful descendants. "Garlands of Glory" are placed at the graves of the deceased and at the monument of Otan Korkaushylar (Defenders of the Fatherland) in capital city Astana. Festive concerts and gatherings are organized for the war veterans in a show of gratitude for their deeds . Read more...

The city of Almaty served as the first capital of Kazakhstan until July 6, 1994, when it was moved for strategic purposes to the central city of Akmola. In 1998, its name was changed to Astana, and in 2019 the city was renamed Nur-Sultan, in honor of the first president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, whose birthday is also July 6. On September 17, 2022, President Tokayev signed a decree renaming the capital city back to Astana. The decree entered into force from the day of its publication.

Capital City Day is celebrated on a grand scale, particularly in Astana itself, where fireworks, concerts, theatrical performances, children’s events and city exhibitions may be enjoyed by residents and visitors. Read more...

Eid al-Adha is the culmination of Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, and is celebrated on the 10th day of the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. One of the most important significant religious holidays in Kazakhstan, it celebrates the joy of life and wellbeing while encouraging everyone to reach out to their neighbors. A key element of the holiday is the sacrifice of a cow, ram or camel, whose meat is then distributed to those in need. Charitable funds for the poor are likewise organized in the mosques.

In Kazakhstan, Eid al-Adha traditionally begins with the morning prayer, known as ait-namaz. During the day, people visit friends and family members, exchange gifts and treats and participate in celebrations and charity events. Festivals are held throughout the country which unite not only Muslims but local people of other faiths.

Constitution Day in Kazakhstan recognizes the basic principles of the state, which were approved at a national referendum on August 30, 1995. According to the first article of the Constitution, Kazakhstan asserts itself as a democratic, secular and legal state whose highest values are the life and basic human rights of the individual.

The capital offers residents and guests an array of festive programs. Kazakh and foreign pop star concerts are held in open-air and enclosed venues. At a sports festival held on the city square, everyone can take part in tug-of-war, streetball, mini-football, the ancient nomadic game of asyk atu and other competitions. In city parks, entertainment programs for children are organized, and in the evening colorful fireworks illuminate the city . Read more...

Republic Day was included in the list of public holidays in 2001, but in 2009 it was removed from the calendar of official dates.

Speaking at the first meeting of the National Kurultai, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev proposed to restore the Republic Day as a national holiday.

Republic Day is celebrated on October 25. Concerts, scientific conferences, creative contests, sports competitions, patriotic, volunteer and charity events are held in honor of the Republic Day in the regions of Kazakhstan .

On December 16, 1991, a new era began in the history of Kazakhstan when the country declared its independence from the Soviet Union. Kazakhstanis celebrate this holiday, counted among the most important public holidays in Kazakhstan, with gusto. On the eve of the holiday, distinguished cultural and political figures are awarded with honors. Top state officials participate in concerts and festivals held throughout the republic, with the holiday ending in a huge display of fireworks.

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Kazakh national holidays

National holidays of kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan with its vast territory contains many nationalities that have committed to the growth of the number of the Kazakh public holidays. Today Kazakhstan celebrates the holidays of the major religions in the country and the holidays adopted from Russians during the tsar period and later in Soviet time, added with some new holidays that have emerged after Independence.

New Year - January 1st

New Year is one of the biggest if not the biggest and most beloved holidays in Kazakhstan and all Central Asia. Originally, New Year celebration was adopted from the Russians in the mid 19th century from the Russians that were sent to Kazakhstan. Like the other post-Soviet countries, Kazakhstan is still celebrating widely this holiday with a compulsory Russian “Olivie” salad and decorations. 

In the cities and villages open-air carnivals are hosted together with the midnight fireworks. Kazakh have their own Santa Claus but he is called Ayaz Ata and accompanied with Ayaz Kyz, who is a kind of granddaughter Snow Girl character. Kazakh Ayaz Ata is has a great alikeness with traditional Western Santa Claus, similarly bringing gifts for children but wearing a Kazakh white kalpak.

The celebration starts on the 31st of December with the preparation of the dining table which is the centerpiece of the party. As usually, m idnight is the main climax of the new year celebration, so before midnight all the close friends and families gather around the table and await the coming of the new year. When it comes a few minutes to midnight, everyone participate in the countdown and cheer the glasses with Sovetskya sparkling wine and exchange wishes in their toasts for success and happiness with one another.

Nauryz - March 22nd

“Nauryz” word originates from the Persian language, and the word literally means “new day”. It is celebrated on March 22 in all Central Asia, and it is considered the beginning of spring. Nauryz is also a symbol of renewal and the birth of a new life. It is also believed to be the day when day and night are equalized and it is actually not far from the spring equinox (19th, 20th or 21st depending on the year). 

Kazakhs consider the beginning of the new year “Ulystyk uly kuni” – a great day for the people. Celebration traditions are aimed to show the best human qualities – openness, cordiality, mercy. Commonly, on Nauryz, Kazakhstanis wear nice clothes , go out, praise each other, have fun, sing and hold folk games . During Nauryz, you can also observe some national competitions such as horse races, aitys (akyns’ competitions), etc.

Nauryz kozhe is a traditional food during Nauryz. The dish combines seven ingredients: smoked meat, milk, millet, wheat, corn, water and butter. Today the recipe for “kozhe” is changing by including more ingredients in addition to the traditional ones depending on the cook’s taste.

Orthodox Christmas - January 7th

An official holiday in Kazakhstan since 2005, but not everyone celebrates it as only about 23% of the population of Kazakhstan are Orthodox Christian who celebrate the Orthodox Christian on the January 7th. 

Across the country, the Church bells chime and festive rituals are recited in Orthodox churches. The celebration starts with the visit to the churches with the  the biggest  Assumption Cathedrals  located  in Almaty and Astana . After the service, it is common for believers to visit relatives and friends, praising each other with gifts, sweets and special Christmas presents.

Day of the capital - June 10th

Since Astana obtained the status of capital in 1998, Kazakhstan celebrated Capital Day in Kazakhstan on June 10. Whether it is a coincidence or not but 10th of June is also the birthday of the first and ex-president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbaev.

Astana is the only capital in Central Asia that was built and developed after Independence. The northernmost capital of Central Asia, located in Euroasia, it blends elements of both East and West. The most fascinating architectural structure is The Palace of Peace, Reconciliation and Baiterek. In 1999, UNESCO recognized Astana as “The City of Peace”.

Day of Kazakhstan's First President - December 1st

Day of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the official name of this holiday. It marks the first presidential elections that were held on December 1st, 1991 in Kazakhstan after the break-up of the Soviet Union. The day became an official  public holiday in 2011. 

The day marks the achievements of the first president and aims to strengthen the peace and harmony in Kazakhstan. Normally, it is celebrated with cultural events that are held throughout Kazakhstan and by the festive fireworks arranged in the evening in honor of the (ex) first president Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Kazakhstan Independence Day - December 16th

Kazakstan became independent from the Soviet Union on December 16, 1991. Since this day a new period began in the history of the country. Independence day is one of the primary holidays in Kazakhstanis which is celebrated with feasts and fireworks.

Best places to celebrate Kazakh national holidays

Page updated 4.1.2023

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Culture and Traditions in Kazakhstan

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Guest reception traditions

One of the most significant traditions in Kazakhstan is hospitality. Kazakhs are known for their warm and welcoming nature, and visitors are treated with great respect and generosity. Guests are offered food and drink as a sign of hospitality and are often given gifts as a token of appreciation.

The tradition of showing hospitality to guests has been a part of Kazakh culture since ancient times. It was common practice to welcome travelers and guests with open arms and offer them the most delicious food. This tradition has roots in the nomadic lifestyle of the Kazakh ancestors, where staying in unfamiliar households was a common occurrence. The custom is known as konaqasy .

When a guest is invited to a yurt (a traditional dwelling), they are seated in the honored place, known as tor , which is located opposite the entrance. The hosts immediately serve a selection of light treats from Kazakh cuisine, including drinks like kumys, shubat, ayran , or tea with milk. Fresh baursaks , flatbreads, kurt , and irimshik are also placed on the table. Appetizers made from horsemeat or lamb, such as zhaya, qazy , and shuzhyk , are also served. 

In honor of the guest's arrival, hosts often cut a lamb and prepare several dishes with it at once. This includes the pre-course dish, kuyrdak , made of lungs, liver, and kidneys, as well as the main dish of Kazakh cuisine, beshbarmak . Boiled meat is presented in large pieces on a tray, and the host slices the meat himself, offering each guest a portion. This cutting is a traditional practice, with specific cuts reserved for certain individuals. For example, pelvic bones and shin are intended for the elderly, brisket for son-in-law or daughter-in-law, and cervical vertebrae for girls. The most honored guest is presented with the specially prepared head of a ram. The meat is served with a rich broth in bowls.

Another tradition associated with the reception of guests is known as konaqkade . After the meal, the host may invite the guest to perform a song or play a musical instrument. In response, the guest typically performs an improvisation that expresses gratitude to the hosts for their warm welcome.

Important guests are given special treatment in Kazakh culture. There is a ritual known as at mingizip shapan zhabu , which involves welcoming a distinguished guest to a Kazakh household. The guest is presented with a horse and an expensive chapan , which is an embroidered robe made of camel wool with a chintz lining. This is a way of showing respect and honor to the guest.

In Kazakh culture, it was customary to present important guests with valuable gifts, such as a horse, a sable fur coat, a camel, a Persian carpet, or a sword. The most valuable possessions in the household were often given as a sign of respect and honor to the guest. This tradition is known as bes zhaqsy , or the «five valuable things». Although this custom is not as commonly practiced nowadays, it still holds strong in some villages in Kazakhstan.

One interesting tradition that has been preserved since ancient times is the practice of yerulik , which involves acquainting new members of a community with their neighbors. When new residents move into a village, they are invited to dinner or lunch with their closest neighbors. This helps people get acquainted and newcomers can integrate more easily into the society. This tradition is still alive in many Kazakh families today, whether they live in a traditional aul (village) or a modern apartment building.

There are some other interesting traditions related to hospitality:

• Toqymqagar or the farewell ceremony. This usually happens if someone from the family is departing for a long time. A ram is cut and a toy-dastarkhan  (festive table) is arranged. Seer-offs say various wishes for those going on a long journey.
• Tize Bugu . Guests show respect for the owner and their house by kneeling upon entering. Failing to observe this rite was considered insulting and disrespectful.
• Toy-Dastarkhan is a festive table. In addition to a feast, toy-dastarkhan may include music performances, song contests ( aitys ), races, and other games.
• Shashu is a ritual practiced during various celebratory occasions such as the arrival of esteemed guests, weddings, and matchmakings. During this ritual, the hosts shower the guests with sweets and coins, and children often collect the scattered treats and money. Kazakh tradition holds that the sweets picked up during Shashu bring good luck.
• Suyunshi is a custom to give valuable gifts to those who bring good news.
• Baigazy is a tradition to give a small gift to those who bought a new thing.
• Sarqyt  is a tradition in which guests are given the remaining food from the dastarkhan to take with them when they depart.
• Tugan zherge aunatu  is a custom in which a person who has been away from their homeland for an extended period of time is welcomed back by being rolled on the ground upon their return.
• Belkoterer is a tradition of preparing special meals for the elderly. Soft, tasty dishes such as  jent , kumys , irimshik (cottage cheese), and others are specially prepared for them. It is the responsibility of their children or close relatives, and less commonly their neighbors, to provide these meals and care for the elderly.

Wedding traditions

The Kazakh wedding is a significant and grandiose event, much like in any other country. However, it is not merely a holiday for the newlyweds, their parents, close relatives, and friends, but also a union of two kinship ties, which makes it unique. Therefore, the Kazakh wedding involves a plethora of rituals and traditions that are strictly observed.

In the past, the proposal was made by the young man through his brother's wife, and the bride was not allowed to see her future husband until the wedding day. Even if the bride did not like the groom, she had no right to disobey her parents' decision about her fate.

Today, things have changed, and Kazakh guys and girls meet and get to know each other in various ways, such as on the street, in cafes, or through social media. However, wedding rites are still important and are carried out during the marriage and wedding ceremony.

As before, matchmakers ( kudalar ) come to the girl's house with gifts. The ring is given to the bride by his brother's wife, not by the groom himself. The wedding day was previously appointed by the elders of the family, but today the date of the wedding is discussed together with the newlyweds. During matchmaking, kudalar usually exchange expensive gifts.

The practice of paying a bride price, known as kalym , is still observed in many rural families where traditional customs hold significant importance. Although the groom's parents do not always foot the bill, they try to honor the tradition by presenting the bride's family with valuable items such as cattle, expensive fabrics, and jewelry. According to tradition, the groom can only visit the bride and her parents in their home after the payment of the bride price.

Once all the necessary procedures and matchmaking have been completed, the bride's father chooses the day for his beloved daughter's departure, known as kyz uzatu , and provides clothing to all of the groom's relatives.

The wedding itself is a grand celebration that usually includes all the relatives of the bride and groom. A specially invited akyn performs traditional Kazakh wedding songs, and various competitions, dances, and fun activities are held. After the wedding, the newlyweds retire to their wedding tent.

Some other wedding traditions:

• Qudalyq  refers to the traditional matchmaking process in which the groom's parents, along with the close relatives of the bride, come together to arrange the marriage.
• Bethashar  – a tradition of revealing the bride's face at the wedding. Of course, nowadays, the bride and the groom know each other well before the wedding but the tradition still lives.
• Syrga salu is a symbolic ceremony in which the mother of the groom puts earrings on the bride, signifying the completion of the marriage contract between the two families.
• Qyz uzatu  is a traditional farewell ceremony that marks the bride's departure from her parents' home to her new home with the groom's family.
• Qursaq toy  is a custom in which the groom's family hosts a celebration upon receiving news of the bride's pregnancy.
• Bride theft  is a traditional practice where a man would kidnap a girl he liked and take her to his village, after which all other marriage rituals would be performed. However, today, this practice is only considered acceptable with the consent of the girl. Without her consent, it is considered a criminal offense.

Customs related to children

Tusau kesu (cutting the ties).

Many Kazakh customs are centered around children, as they are considered the most valuable treasure in Kazakh families. The growth and upbringing of children are associated with numerous rituals and traditions, such as laying in the cradle, naming, and one of the most significant customs for a child –  tusau kesu or cutting the ties. This ceremony is held when the child takes his or her first steps.

During Tusau Kesu, a child's legs are tied with a thin, colorful cord, which is cut by an energetic man with many children, a respected aksakal (elderly man), or an important guest. The cord used to tie the legs of the baby traditionally consists of black and white threads, representing the black and white stripes of life, as the kid must learn to overcome difficulties.

The ritual is accompanied by songs and wishes ( bata ), so that the child stands firmly on their feet and confidently walks through life. After the ties are cut, a feast usually follows, with contests, songs, and music competitions. In the past, after tusau kesu, a child would receive a horse and saddle, but nowadays, they are more likely to receive expensive gifts or money instead.

Sundet-toy (circumcision)

Sundet , or rite of circumcision, is a significant tradition that has been preserved and is often observed in Kazakh families. This custom originated with the arrival of Islam in the Great Steppe and remains one of the most important family traditions.

Sundet is typically performed when a boy turns 3, 5 or 7 years old. On the day of the ceremony, the boy is dressed in beautiful national clothes and put on horseback. Colorful ribbons are woven into the horse's mane, and a bag of treats is tied to the saddle. The boy rides up to relatives one by one and treats them with food from the bag. Once all the gifts and treats are given out, the boy goes to a separate yurt or room with a mullah (and nowadays, a surgeon), where he undergoes circumcision.

Following the circumcision, parents organize a grand celebration called s undet toy , where everyone gives the child money or valuable gifts. This celebration marks the boy's transition into manhood and is a significant moment for the family.

Other traditions and customs related to the upbringing of a child

• Shildehana – birthday party for the baby.
• Besikke salu, also known as besik toy, is the practice of placing a newborn baby in a cradle. Typically, this ceremony is held 3-5 days after the umbilical cord falls off the baby. Prior to this, the newborn sleeps with their mother.
• Yesim qoyu or at qoyu. A ceremony of naming the child. A respected person usually gives the name of the child.
• Qyrqynan shygaru. This ceremony is performed on the fortieth day after the child is born. The child is bathed in 40 spoons of water, hair and nails are cut for the first time
• Auzyna tukirtu  is a traditional Kazakh ritual that translates to «spitting in the mouth». According to Kazakh beliefs, when a respected person spits into the mouth of a child, the child will receive a piece of that person's talent.
• Ashamayga mingizu  is a tradition of giving a horse and a kamcha (whip) to a 6-7-year-old boy. This ceremony marks the boy's proclamation as a jigit (a young man). During this event, the child receives blessings from the elders, and the parents usually arrange a small celebration in honor of their son.

Aitys is an essential part of any Kazakh holiday program. It is a poetic-musical competition where Kazakh singers-improvisers participate.

During aitys, the performers sit or stand in front of each other and engage in a song dialogue, passing the word to each other and continuing the theme started by the opponent. Aitys can be held on any arbitrary theme. The winner is chosen based on the competition's results, with a jury consisting of distinguished people or guests of the festival who evaluate not only the musicality and performing talent but also the skill in parrying the arguments of the opponent, humor, and ingenuity.

Aitys is somewhat similar to modern rap battles, with a similar performance order and evaluation of participants. While several akyns  (singers) can participate in aitys, paired performances are more traditional. Aitys is often held between a man and a woman. For instance, in 1946, Kazakh composer Mukan Tulebayev wrote the opera «Birzhan and Sarah» based on aitys between famous akyns of the XIX century Birzhan-sal and Sarah Tastanbekkyzy.

Nauryz Holiday

Nauryz is a wonderful tradition that dates back to the ancient pre-Islamic times of the history of the Kazakh people. It is a holiday that celebrates spring, the renewal of nature, the beginning of a new year, and new life. According to Tengrian beliefs, Nauryz is considered the beginning of the New Year and is celebrated on March 22, on the day of the vernal equinox.

Nauryz consists of many small rituals and customs. The holiday begins at dawn, when all the inhabitants of the village or aul come out together to plant trees under the guidance of aksakals. After the trees are planted, everyone gathers for the celebration. People have fun, congratulate each other on New Year's Eve, and wish each other peace, prosperity, richness, and happiness. Songs composed especially for this holiday, called Nauryz Zhyr , are performed. Sports competitions, such as kures (wrestling) and baiga (horse races), are held. Often in the middle of the village, there are big swings for children and youth. There are also intellectual contests for solving poetic riddles and contests in short sayings.

After the holiday, each family in each house sets a festive table. The meal is usually held at noon. Before and after the meal, the invited mullah reads prayers in honor of the ancestors. At the end of the meal, the eldest of those present gives a blessing ( bata ) to keep the family intact year after year. In this ritual, we can see the fusion of pagan and Muslim traditions.

During the Nauryz holiday, the number seven was considered significant as it represents the seven days of the week, which is the unit of time of universal eternity. As part of the tradition, seven bowls of a special festive drink called Nauryz-kozhe , prepared from seven types of cereals, were placed before the aksakals. The dastarkhan, the traditional Kazakh table, also had seven different treats.

The Nauryz celebration typically ended with an aitys. The competition continued until sunset, which was believed to be the moment when good conquered evil. Afterward, a fire was lit, and people with torches lit from it danced and sang as they went around all the neighborhoods of the village, completing the holiday of spring renewal and equinox.

Traditional Kazakh games and entertainment: 

• Kazakh traditional hunting with a golden eagle.  The golden eagle has been used since ancient times for hunting hares, corsacs, foxes, etc. Trained berkutchi hunters are engaged in the breeding and training of hunting birds.
• Kazakh traditional hunting with tazy. Kazakh  tazy is an ancient breed of hunting hounds, belonging to the intangible heritage of UNESCO. With Tazy, Kazakhs hunt small game and steppe antelopes.
• Kures  is Kazakh wrestling. Competitions are usually held during festivals. Other peoples of Central Asia also have analogies to this sport.
• Toguz Qumalaq . is a table game that is based on the number 9. It appears to be a simple game, but it is actually a complex logical game that is often referred to as the «algebra of shepherds». This game was a popular pastime among nomads and was used to brighten up their leisure time.
• Asyq is a children's street game, which has now become the national sport in Kazakhstan. The country even holds Asyq tournaments.
• Bastangy is a kind of party for young people, which was usually held after parents' departure.

Read more about national games and sports in this article .

Helping neighbors and the community

• Asar is a Kazakh tradition of helping someone with the whole family or generation, or even the entire village. This may involve building a house or cattle sheds, among other things. At the end of the work, a dastarkhan is held for the helpers.
• Zhylu is a similar tradition to Asar. In this case, people come together to help those who have suffered from natural disasters, such as fires or floods. Anyone, regardless of their status or tribe, can help the victims to the best of their ability. Donations can include cattle, building materials, clothes, money, and labor.

Indeed, experiencing the traditions and customs firsthand is the best way to truly appreciate and understand their significance. Kazakhstan is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and its festivals and holidays provide a unique opportunity to witness and participate in age-old customs and practices. From the vibrant colors and music of the traditional costumes and instruments to the warm hospitality and delicious food, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it's attending a lively aitys competition, planting trees during Nauryz, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, a trip to Kazakhstan during its traditional holidays is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

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Holidays and weekends in the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2024

* Extending the holidays  In the event that a national holiday falls on weekend (Saturday or Sunday), the days-off shall be extended by one day.

First day of Qurban Ait, celebrated by Muslim calendar, the  7 th  of January  - Orthodox Christmas are nonworking days (without extending).

In 2024 the first day of Qurban Ait is on   June 17 .

Additional information: 

According to   paragraph 3 of Article 85 of the Labor Code of the RK  for efficient usage of working in the period of holidays the Government has a right to carry days-off to other working days.

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Water levels rise and homes flood in Russia after a dam bursts near the Kazakhstan border

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Russian officials scrambled to help homeowners displaced by floods as water levels rose in the Ural River, authorities said Wednesday.

Floods in the Orenburg region near Russia’s border with Kazakhstan sparked the evacuation of thousands of people following the collapse of a dam on Saturday. Russia’s government has declared the situation a federal emergency. Although President Vladimir Putin is frequently shown on Russian state television meeting officials and traveling across the country, the Kremlin said he is not yet planning to visit the flood-hit region.

The river’s water level in the city of Orenburg was above 10 meters (almost 33 feet) Wednesday, state news agency Ria Novosti reported, citing the regional governor. Photos shared by Russian news outlets showed roads covered in water, submerged fields and partially submerged houses.

The water was approaching high-rise buildings, Ria Novosti said, and more than 300 homes were flooded overnight, according to state news agency Tass.

People in the city of Orsk gathered in a rare protest Monday, calling for compensation after their homes were damaged. Protests are unusual in Russia, where authorities have consistently cracked down on any form of dissent following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine . Hundreds of people gathered in front of the administrative building in Orsk on Monday, and videos posted on Russian social media showed people chanting “Putin, help us!” and “Shame!”

Other videos on social media showed angry Russians refusing to leave the areas near their homes because they said thieves were looting abandoned houses with boats.

The floods prompted the Orsk oil refinery to suspend operations, Interfax said.

The floods had forced over 4,000 people, including 885 children, to evacuate in the Orenburg region, the regional government said Sunday. Tass said Monday that around 10,000 homes, including some 7,000 in Orsk, were flooded.

Following the protest, Tass reported that the governor of the Orenburg region, Denis Pasler, promised compensation payments to those affected, including 10,000 rubles ($108) a month for six months to people forced out of their homes by the floods.

The total damage from the floods in the region is estimated at about 21 billion rubles ($227 million), the regional government said Sunday.

A criminal probe has been launched to investigate suspected construction violations that may have caused the dam to break. Local authorities said the dam could withstand water levels up to 5.5 meters (nearly 18 feet). On Sunday, the level in Orsk reached 9.7 meters (31.82 feet), according to Russia’s water level information site AllRivers.

The Ural River, about 2,428 kilometers (1,509 miles) long, flows from the southern section of the Ural Mountains into the north end of the Caspian Sea, through Russia and Kazakhstan.

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