For the peoples of Central Asia, Nowruz is one of the most significant holidays, symbolizing the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new year according to the solar-lunar calendar.
This period is associated by some with family gatherings, traditional rituals, and feasts, while for others it becomes a reason to discuss its role in religious life.
In this article, we turned to cultural figures and bearers of traditions to understand how this holiday was formed, what it means, and what ideas it brings today.
Jylajyrat: Roots of Spring Renewal
As journalist and sanjyratchi Zhanaly Nurmanbetov claims, the tradition of celebrating the new year among the Kyrgyz has roots that go back to ancient times and is connected to the spring equinox — the moment when day and night become equal.
This holiday, known as Jylajyrat, was celebrated on March 20-21 and was considered the start of the new year when nature awakens from its winter sleep and a new life cycle begins.
The term "jylajyrat" translates as "renewal of the year": "jyl" means year, and "jyrat" — renewal, beginning.
Later, the holiday became known as Nowruz, but its original name is still preserved in the collective memory.
According to the stories of the elderly, the holiday was always celebrated in the community. In the evening, after the livestock was brought into the pens, people gathered, lit bonfires, set up cauldrons, and prepared meat and dairy dishes.
People sang, shared stories, passed on wisdom, and taught children the traditions of their ancestors.
With the arrival of dawn, blessings were pronounced — wishes for health, abundance, and well-being for both people and livestock.
The Traditions of "Köche-Köjö" and the Symbolism of Abundance
Manas scholar and lecturer at the I. Arabaev Kyrgyz State University Sanira Zhetigen notes that similar traditions existed in various regions, particularly in Talas.
One of the key elements of the celebration was the preparation of seven types of dishes, symbolizing abundance and harmony. The main dish was köche-köjö, made from meat, oil, flour, wheat, or corn, sometimes with the addition of cottage cheese. This dish turned out to be thick and nourishing.
There were also bread, flatbreads, crushed grains, sour cream, kurut, and butter on the table.
This tradition has its roots in a nomadic lifestyle. In spring, food supplies were depleted, livestock lost strength after winter, and new grass had not yet grown. Therefore, the holiday was accompanied by a special ritual-wish: people asked the Creator for the earth to produce grass, for the livestock to regain strength and start milking, and for the world to be filled with harmony and abundance.
The researcher emphasizes that the mass celebration of Nowruz, including the preparation of sumolok in Bishkek, became popular during the presidency of Askar Akayev. However, the traditions themselves have much older roots.
Culture and Music: The Contemporary Sound of Traditions
Musician and award-winning cultural figure in the Kyrgyz Republic Tolgonai Osmonova emphasizes that Nowruz continues to be an important part of cultural life.
“Nowruz is a time when our traditions, music, and culture come to life. On this day, national instruments and folk songs resonate, concerts and performances take place. For us musicians, this is one of the most significant periods of the year. Through music, we convey the atmosphere of spring, renewal, and unity,” she says.
According to her, such holidays play an important role in preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to the younger generation.
Traditions and Religious Aspects
The editorial team also planned to reach out to representatives of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan for a comment on how believers should relate to the celebration of Nowruz.
Previously, theologian and religious scholar Kadir Malikov mentioned that this holiday can be viewed as a cultural-historical phenomenon without religious connotation.
At the same time, religious preacher Ermek Tynai uulu believes that the celebration of Nowruz does not conform to Islamic norms.
“We perceive the celebration of Nowruz as an impure, sinful act, as it contains elements of worshiping everything except Allah. The traditions of the holiday reference the worship of water, stones, and nature — this does not bring life to a person. These elements manifest in the congratulations and blessings pronounced on this day. Our people perceive holidays mainly as a time for fun, while in Islam, a holiday is a moment for forgiveness of sins, purification of the heart, and changes in a person's life,” explains Ermek Tynai uulu.
In his opinion, many holidays negatively affect people, altering their consciousness and inner state. Therefore, only two holidays are recognized in Islam — Kurman Ait and Oroz Ait.
A Holiday Uniting People
Despite differing opinions, Nowruz remains an important part of the cultural tradition of the Kyrgyz people. Its roots are connected to natural cycles — the spring equinox, the renewal of the earth, and the beginning of a new life stage.
For centuries, this day has symbolized hope, unity, and continuity. And today, Nowruz continues to fulfill the same role — uniting people, reminding them of the value of culture, history, and the deep connection between humans and nature.
