New Year’s Day in Tajikistan ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of New Year’s Day in Tajikistan and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of New Year’s Day in Tajikistan and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
In Tajikistan, New Year’s Day is celebrated on March 21st. This date marks the start of the Persian New Year, also known as Nowruz. Nowruz is a holiday that has been celebrated for over 3,000 years in Persia (now Iran), and spread to other parts of Central Asia.
Tajiks begin their New Year’s celebrations by cleaning their homes and getting rid of anything that is old or no longer needed. This is done to symbolize a fresh start for the new year. Families then decorate their homes with flowers and green plants, which represent life and growth.
On New Year’s Eve, people dress up in their best clothes and gather with family and friends for a special meal. The meal usually includes dishes such as rice pilaf, meatballs, and pastries. At midnight, everyone hugs and kisses each other to wish each other a happy new year.
The first day of the new year is spent visiting relatives and friends. People exchange gifts and share meals together. On this day, it is also customary to listen to music, dance, and play games.
The Persian New Year celebration lasts for 13 days. Each day has its own special meaning and tradition. The 13th day, called Sizdah Bedar, is the last day of the celebrations. On this day, people go outdoors and picnic. It is said that picnicking on this day will bring good luck for the rest of the year.