Navruz Festival: Spring Festival at Irkutsk National Research Technical University

On April 3, students of the preparatory department of INRTU became guests of a bright spring event – Navruz Festival organized by the university. The event allowed students from different countries to get acquainted with the traditions and culture of the peoples of Central Asia, enjoy the concert program, take part in competitions and taste national treats.

Navruz is one of the oldest holidays symbolizing the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature. Traditionally, the holiday is accompanied by folk festivities, feasts, music and dances. The main symbols of Navruz are sweet dessert made of sprouted wheat (sumalyak), halim, tortillas, and, of course, pilaf, which is an obligatory treat - a symbol of wealth and prosperity.

The guests of the festival could see the attributes of the holiday, which traditionally decorate houses during Navruz, haft-sin and various handicrafts - carpets, skullcaps, national jewelry. A bright part of the holiday was the performances of artists who presented folk dances and songs. There were also various contests, national sweets and dishes. But the most important gastronomic event was a delicious pilaf cooked according to all canons of Central Asian cuisine.

“I really enjoyed the dancing. The pilaf was also very tasty. I want to learn how to cook as good,” said Tekejo Kemgang, a student from Cameroon.

Even though the weather on the day of the festival was quite cool and a cold April wind was blowing, the festival itself was held in a warm, almost family-like atmosphere. Students and their teachers left the festival with smiles on their faces and pleasant memories. Navruz is not just a holiday of spring. It is a holiday of friendship, unity and joy!