Celebrating Friendship and Cultural Heritage at the Navruz Festival

A large-scale Navruz festival was held at New Uzbekistan University, celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage and traditional sports. The event showcased the significance of Navruz as a unifying holiday shared across Turkic nations and its vital role in the lives of our people and kindred communities.

Nearly 2,000 participants—including university staff, their families, partners, and students—attended the celebration. The event featured vibrant musical and dance performances that created a joyful festive atmosphere.

One of the most cherished traditions of Navruz, the “Sumalak Sayli,” was celebrated with great excitement. Following custom, sumalak was prepared overnight in a large cauldron and served to all guests. The festival also included a Plov Championship, where talented student chefs demonstrated their culinary skills.

Traditional folk games and sports competitions were held as part of the festivities. Wrestlers competed in kurash, earning the applause of the audience, while acrobats delivered breathtaking tightrope performances. One of the highlights of the day was the opportunity for participants to enjoy hot air balloon rides, adding a memorable and adventurous touch to the celebration.

The festival also welcomed representatives from foreign embassies in Uzbekistan, who organized exhibitions showcasing Navruz traditions from their respective countries. Their presence, along with members of various national communities, gave the event an international spirit.

The celebration concluded with festive concerts by performers from the Uzbekistan State Philharmonic Society and stage performances by university students. The energy and creativity of the young performers added a unique charm to the event.

By bringing together people of various nationalities and cultures in a shared celebration, the Navruz festival once again affirmed its role as a powerful symbol of unity and friendship among nations.