The Navruz holiday was celebrated with great festivity in the Alisher Navoiy Central Park of Samarkand. The holiday festivities were organized in accordance with national traditions, leaving an unforgettable impression on the university community and guests. The event featured national music and songs, unique dances, an art exhibition, sports competitions, traditional Uzbek cuisine, and a showcase of national attire. Foreign guests also enjoyed the festive atmosphere and had the opportunity to become closely acquainted with Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage.

    The Navruz celebrations were attended by Adiz Boboyev, Acting Governor of Samarkand Region; Rustam Kholmurodov, Rector of Samarkand State University, Honored Scientist of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Member of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis; and Fazliddin Umarov, Mayor of Samarkand. The guests interacted with SamSU professors, teachers, and students, congratulating them on the Navruz holiday. They highly praised the performances of the teams that prepared for the festivities.

    As part of the festive celebrations, the National Guard horsemen and the military orchestra participated. Their ceremonial march, music, and performances added a unique grandeur to the event. SamSU's institutes and faculties prepared for the holiday in their own distinctive way, setting up traditional yurts reflecting national customs. They also served sumalak, halim, green samsa, and various sweets on beautifully decorated tables.

    Sports events were also an integral part of the Navruz celebrations. University athletes participated in traditional wrestling, tug-of-war, chess, checkers, volleyball, table tennis, and arm wrestling competitions. Festival participants actively engaged in these sports activities, showcasing their skills.

    Navruz is one of the most cherished holidays of our people, bringing kindness, compassion, and unity to all," said Subkhon Abbosov, First Vice-Rector for Youth Affairs and Spiritual-Educational Work at Samarkand State University. "The Navruz celebration at Samarkand State University gifted all participants with joyful moments and unforgettable memories. The event once again highlighted the significance of our national traditions and customs. For the university community and guests, the holiday became a true cultural and spiritual festivity. Even the weather contributed to the uplifting atmosphere of the celebration. All participants were delighted with the event. This festival once again marked the celebration of our nation’s ancient values, kindness, and the ideas of friendship. The SamSU team intends to continue the tradition of celebrating Navruz in the coming years.

  "Navruz is an ancient and noble holiday that celebrates the first days of spring, the beginning of new life, and the season of renewal and awakening," said Jo’liboy Eltazarov, Dean of the Faculty of Philology at Samarkand State University. "This holiday is closely intertwined with the national values and traditions of Eastern peoples, especially the Uzbek people, symbolizing kindness, compassion, harmony, and unity. On Navruz, nature awakens, trees bud, and fields turn green. People congratulate each other and express their best wishes. This celebration is not just a customary date but an ancient tradition that has encouraged people toward goodness, kindness, and love for centuries. Navruz is a festival of life, nature, and human awakening, a time for new dreams and fresh hopes. The Faculty of Philology also prepared especially for the holiday, delighting everyone with national games and folklore performances, as well as organizing traditional Navruz festivities.

   "For the past two years, I have been celebrating the Navruz holiday at Samarkand State University. This holiday is one of the joyful days that marks the arrival of spring," said Arindan Banik, an Indian professor at Samarkand State University. "Navruz is not celebrated in India, but we have a similar festival – Holi, the festival of colors. Holi is celebrated every year on March 25 and is dedicated to welcoming the arrival of spring with festivities. Because of this, Holi and Navruz share similar aspects. During Holi, people throw colorful powders at each other and spread joy. Navruz, on the other hand, is celebrated as a symbol of unity and friendship among the Uzbek people. Celebrating the holiday in Samarkand has been an enjoyable experience. Everyone was cheerful, congratulating each other with smiles and laughter. Especially since there are many Indians in Samarkand, we felt even more joy seeing each other and celebrating together. Happy Navruz to the people of Uzbekistan!

    Such celebrations undoubtedly unite representatives of different nationalities and strengthen the bonds of friendship between peoples. Marking the arrival of spring and spending these joyful moments together holds special significance for everyone. Happy Navruz! 

Samarkand State University
Information Service.