In an atmosphere of universal inspiration and spiritual uplift, Turkmen people celebrate the National Spring Holiday – the International Day of Novruz.

These days, celebrations have unfolded widely throughout the country, embodying the unity and cohesion of our people, their commitment to centuries-old wise original traditions and customs, which, being passed down from generation to generation, are now gaining new meaning.

The Novruz holiday, included in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), is a vivid example of dialogue and mutual enrichment of cultures, the embodiment of enduring universal humanistic values – solidarity, friendship and brotherhood.

Symbolizing the arrival of spring, the awakening of nature, the fertility of the earth and prosperity, this holiday reflects the constant desire of peoples for peace and creation. And therefore, it is deeply natural that in the modern era it is celebrated as the International Day of Novruz. Recall that the relevant Resolution was unanimously adopted at the 64th session of the UN General Assembly in February 2010.

Novruz is an integral part of the rich cultural heritage of the Turkmen people, whose mentality has always been based on peacefulness and good-neighborliness, love for the fertile native land. These high principles were glorified in his poetic works by the great poet and thinker Makhtumkuli Fragi, whose 300th birthday is widely celebrated this year. In the new historical era, the primordial humanistic and spiritual and moral values of the nation are laid in the foundation of the progressive domestic and foreign policy of Turkmenistan, initiated by the Hero Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and now consistently implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

As President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized in his congratulatory address to compatriots, Novruz, being associated with revival, prosperity and renewal of life, is of particular importance in the formation of good relations between peoples. The historical significance of the Spring Festival has been deeply understood in the works of outstanding classics of the East – Dovletmammet Azadi, Makhtumkuli Fragi, Nurmukhammad Andalib, Abu Reyhan Biruni, Omar Khayyam, Alisher Navoi, Abdyrahman Jami, Firdousi, Mahmit Kashgarli and others. The Novruz holiday forms good qualities in a person's soul and it fosters selfless feelings, as well as love for nature, life and the world.

The events, exhibitions and concerts held on the occasion of this wonderful holiday contribute to the promotion of cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

"May the motives of Novruz merge into the music of unity, peace and beauty, which will fill hearts with inspiration and happiness," the head of state wished at the end of his Address.