The 20th of March saw the celebration of traditional Nowruz festival in Penza State University. The festivities were organized with the help of the International Education Office of the University and the Association of International Students of the Penza region.

Nowruz, or Norooz, No-Ruz,  is an ancient holiday that is celebrated in a variety of modern cultures on the day of vernal equinox.  The festival celebrates the start of spring and the revival of nature.  The holiday symbolizes continuity and diversity and is observed in different countries across the globe.

“Celebrating Nowruz is one of the most favourite events for international students in Penza State University. Its atmosphere of friendship and respect to traditions of different cultures, the unparalleled hospitality of the eastern culture – all these things show the attitude of our university to the cultures of international students. Nowruz is a symbol of goodwill and fruitful cooperation, the embodiment of eternal human values – peace, agreement, friendship, and creativity,’’ said the Vice-Rector for International Affairs of the University Sergei Vasin.

The hononoured guest of the festival was Asatullo Kurbonoz, chair of the Centre for Tajik culture ‘Sodruzhestvo’ (fellowship).

The celebrations included a variety of activities – traditional food, folk singing, dancing, and folk fights. Tajik students demonstrated exquisite national dresses and folk dance ‘Kurta Chakan’. Turkmen, Kyrgyz, Iraqi students presented colourful dances and songs.

“I think, the main attraction of the festival became the belt-wrestling tournament with participants from different universities – not only our university, but Penza State University for Architecture and Building, Penza Artillery Engineering Institute as well. Conducting this wrestling tournament is really significant for international students as this is not only a historical sport, but a strong cultural element. Participating in fights the men not only learn how to win the opponent but they learn to be respectful towards the competitors, their culture and traditions,” remarked Damir Saldaev, head of the International Office of Penza State University.

Kyrgyzbai Ulu Nursultan (Kyrgyzstan), Synatull Solikhov (Tadjikistan), Yntymak Zhusubaliev (Kyrzystan) became the winners of the bell-wrestling tournament.

The sporting events were followed by the feast of national cuisine dishes from Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and the finale of the celebrations was the ethnic dance party.