Fourth Day of Nauryz

What Is Fourth Day of Nauryz?

The Fourth Day of Nauryz, observed on 24th March, marks a continuation of the extensive spring celebrations in Kazakhstan. It follows the traditional three-day public holiday for Nauryz Meiramy, which typically spans from 21st to 23rd March. This day is part of a broader, recently introduced 10-day period of cultural festivities known as the Nauryznama Decada.

Rather than a distinct traditional holiday with unique rituals, the Fourth Day of Nauryz represents an extended period for communities and families to uphold the spirit of renewal, unity, and cultural heritage associated with the spring equinox. It encourages further engagement in customs, sharing of festive meals, and participation in traditional arts and sports.

History and Origins of Fourth Day of Nauryz

The origins of Nauryz itself are ancient, tracing back over 3,000 years to Persia and Central Asia. It is deeply rooted in Zoroastrianism and marks the vernal equinox, symbolising rebirth, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness. Following Kazakhstan’s independence from the Soviet Union, Nauryz Meiramy was revived as a national holiday, celebrated with great fervour.

The concept of a “Fourth Day” specifically as 24th March, and the broader Nauryznama Decada, is a more recent development in Kazakhstan. In recent years, the government introduced the Nauryznama Decada, a ten-day period from 14th to 23rd March, aimed at enhancing the cultural significance and public engagement with Nauryz. While the main public holidays remain 21st-23rd March, the Fourth Day (24th March) extends the festive spirit beyond the officially designated period, allowing for continued celebrations and reflection on Kazakhstani traditions. This extension reflects a modern effort to enrich the holiday’s observance and reinforce national identity.

How Fourth Day of Nauryz Is Celebrated

As an extension of the primary Nauryz celebrations, the Fourth Day of Nauryz maintains many of the core customs, albeit often in a less formal or public manner. Family visits and gatherings continue to be central, with guests being welcomed into homes and offered traditional hospitality. The sharing of Nauryz Kozhe, a nourishing soup made from seven ingredients representing life, growth, and prosperity, remains a key practice.

Community events, though perhaps less grand than those on the main public holidays, can still take place. These might include traditional musical performances featuring the dombra, displays of national handicrafts, and storytelling that imparts Kazakh folklore and values. The day serves as an opportunity for extended family and friends to reinforce bonds, enjoy traditional cuisine, and reflect on the themes of renewal and prosperity that Nauryz embodies. Planting saplings or participating in community clean-up drives, symbolising new beginnings, may also occur.

When Is Fourth Day of Nauryz?

The Fourth Day of Nauryz is observed annually on a fixed date: 24th March. This date directly follows the three public holiday days dedicated to Nauryz Meiramy (21st-23rd March) in Kazakhstan.

Nauryz itself is tied to the vernal equinox, which typically falls on 20th or 21st March in the Gregorian calendar. Although the main holiday shifts with the equinox, the designated public holidays in Kazakhstan are fixed from 21st to 23rd March, ensuring consistency. The Fourth Day then acts as a direct continuation, extending the festive period beyond these initial public days into 24th March.

Fourth Day of Nauryz Key Facts