An event for foreign students was held in the International Friendship Club of the Penza Region, during which the participants made their own New Year decorations for the holiday tree and also talked about the traditions of celebrating the New Year in their countries.

The event was attended by international students - representatives of such countries as: Kyrgyzstan, Egypt, Jordan, Zambia, Morocco, Uzbekistan and India.

A workshop on making New Year's toys was held by a 4th-year student of the Institute of International Cooperation of Penza State University Parizoda Abdumazhidova, during which the participants of the meeting mastered the origami technique and created unique snowflakes.

The students also shared how New Year's celebrations are held in their countries.

"On New Year's Eve, families gather around the festive table, where various dishes are served. This is the time when everyone shares New Year's wishes and memories of the past year. At midnight, fireworks are launched, which symbolize farewell to the previous year and welcome of the coming one. This attracts many people to the streets," said Hamza Faris from Morocco.

“And in India,” adds Shlok Kshirsagar, “New Year is not traditionally celebrated in winter. However, on December 31, we gather as a family, exchange sweets and have special feasts. My favourite festive dish, which I usually eat on this day, is called Pav Bhaji. It is a pungent and spicy curry made from a mixture of vegetables, beans and spices. It is served with soft, buttery bread.”