Among the peoples of Central Asia, Nowruz holds a special place as a symbol of the arrival of spring and the new year according to the solar-lunar calendar.
For many, this holiday is a time for family gatherings, traditional rituals, and generous feasts, while others discuss its significance in the context of religion.
In this article, we turned to cultural representatives and bearers of traditions to find out how this holiday was formed, what role it plays, and what meanings it carries in modern times.
Jylajyrat: Roots of Spring Renewal
Journalist and storyteller Zhanaly Nurmanbetov emphasizes that the tradition of celebrating the new year among the Kyrgyz dates back to ancient times and is associated with the spring equinox when day and night become equal.
Previously, this holiday was called Jylajyrat and was celebrated on March 20-21, which was considered the beginning of the new year when nature awakens from its winter slumber and a new life cycle begins.
The term "jylajyrat" translates as "renewal of the year": "jyl" means year, and "jyrat" means renewal.
Although later the holiday was named Nowruz, the old name is still alive in the collective memory.
The older generation recalls how this holiday was celebrated by communities. After the livestock was herded into the pens, people gathered, lit bonfires, and set up large cauldrons to prepare meat and dairy dishes.
During this time, they sang, shared stories, passed on wisdom, and taught children the traditions of their ancestors.
With the first rays of the sun, blessings were pronounced, wishing health and prosperity to both people and livestock.
The Tradition of "Köche-Köjö" as a Symbol of Abundance
Sanira Zhetigen, a Manas scholar and lecturer at the I. Arabaev Kyrgyz State University, notes that similar traditions existed in some regions, such as Talas.
One of the key elements of the holiday was the preparation of seven different dishes, symbolizing abundance and harmony. The central dish was called köche-köjö, which was made from meat, oil, flour, wheat, or corn, sometimes adding cottage cheese. It was always thick and nourishing.
The festive table also included bread, flatbreads, crushed grains, sour cream, and kurut.
The tradition of preparing these dishes is linked to a nomadic lifestyle: in spring, food supplies were depleted, livestock was weakened, and new grass was just beginning to grow. Therefore, on this day, people turned to the Creator with a prayer for the land to bless them with grass and for the livestock to strengthen and begin to give milk.
According to research, the mass celebration of Nowruz, including the preparation of sumolok in Bishkek, became popular during the presidency of Askar Akayev, although the roots of the traditions go back to ancient times.
Music and Culture: Reflection of Traditions
According to musician and cultural figure of the Kyrgyz Republic Tolgona Osmonova, Nowruz remains an important part of cultural life today.
"This is a time when our culture, music, and traditions come to life. On this day, folk songs and instruments are heard, concerts and performances take place. For us musicians, this is one of the most significant periods of the year when we convey the atmosphere of spring and unity through music," she says.
She adds that such holidays play an important role in preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to the younger generation.
Interweaving of Tradition and Religion
The editorial team planned to obtain comments from representatives of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan on how believers should relate to the celebration of Nowruz.
Previously, the well-known theologian and religious scholar Kadir Malikov pointed out that this holiday can be viewed as a cultural-historical phenomenon without religious undertones.
At the same time, religious preacher Ermek Tynai uulu believes that the celebration of Nowruz contradicts Islamic norms.
He asserts: "The celebration of Nowruz is considered impure and sinful, as it contains elements of worship to everything except Allah. The traditions of the holiday include appeals to water, stones, and nature, which cannot give life to a person. These elements manifest in the congratulations and blessings that are heard on this day. In our culture, holidays are perceived as a time of fun, however, in Islam, a holiday is a time for forgiveness of sins and purification of the soul," notes Ermek Tynai uulu.
In his opinion, many holidays can negatively affect people's consciousness, and in Islam, there are only two holidays — Kurman Ait and Orozo Ait.
A Unifying Holiday
Despite differing opinions, Nowruz continues to be an important part of the cultural tradition of the Kyrgyz people. Its roots are connected to natural cycles — the spring equinox and the renewal of the earth.
For centuries, this day has symbolized hope, unity, and continuity. Today, Nowruz continues to unite people, reminding them of the value of culture, history, and the deep connection between humans and nature.
