Public Holidays Around the World – Week 12/13
March 20 – 26
Muslim countries – NowrÅ«z Bayram Holidays
Every year on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, Nowrūz is celebrated in many Muslim countries, including Azerbaijan, were it is one of the most ancient holidays.
NowrÅ«z, meaning ‘New Day’, marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Iranian calendar.
The moment when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, equalizing night and day, is calculated with precision as it marks the start of NowrÅ«z. Amongst communities where the rituals are observed, families come together to enjoy traditional dishes such as the ‘Semeni’, which is made of sprouts of wheat with some flour and granulated sugar. People also join into lively public celebrations where they play, sing and dance in their new clothes.
The 21st marks the year 2710 on the Kurdish calendar.
March 20 – 26
Azerbaijan, Nowrūz Bayram holiday
March 21
‘International Day of NowrÅ«z’
Afghanistan, Nauruz – Afghan New Year
Iraq, Noruz – Persian New Year
Uzbekistan, Navruz
March 21 – 22
Turkmenistan, Spring Holiday
Kyrgyzstan, Nooruz
March 21 – 24
Tajikistan, Navruz
Kazakhstan, Nauryz Meyramy
Iran, Norooz – Persian New Year
March 22
Albania, Nevruz
March 23
Pakistan Day
This day commemorates both the signing on the Pakistan Resolution in Lahore in 1940 and the adoption of the first constitution of Pakistan in 1956 during the transition of the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Full military and civilian parades that are presided by the President of Pakistan take place in the capital, Islamabad. Traditionally wreaths are then laid at the mausoleums of Muhammad Iqbal and Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
April 2
Good Friday
Good Friday, a time of fasting and penance, commemorates the anniversary of Christ’s crucifixion and his sacrificial death at Calvary. Along with the resurrection it comprises the heart of the Christian faith.
April 3 – 4
China – Qingming Festival
The Qingming Festival, or the Clear Bright Festival, combines the sadness of commemoration and the joys of spring.
Traditionally, people all over the country sweep the tombs of the dead and offer sacrifices to their ancestors at this time of the year.
However, the Qingming Festival is also a time for the first spring outings.
April 4
Turkmenistan – ‘A Drop of Water – A Grain of Gold’
This annual festival, named from a traditional Turkmen proverb, honors the wise traditions of the Turkmen people, who saw water as a priceless life-giving gift from nature.
Impressive open air celebration are held on this day on the banks of the Karakum River. It is also the occasion for an annual message from the president about the importance of the effective management of Turkmenistan’s water reserves.
Related posts:
