Celebrating Kazakh National Clothing Day: Festive Events Unite Citizens
Kazakhstan Citizens Celebrate National Clothing Day with Challenges, Exhibitions, and Shows
As part of the Nauryznama Decade, Kazakhstan citizens celebrated National Clothing Day on March 18 with various activities aimed at promoting and showcasing their traditional attire. From launching challenges to holding exhibitions and fashion shows, the country’s residents showcased their pride in their national clothing.
The Capital’s Youth Policy Department and more than 10 youth organizations collaborated to launch a video challenge promoting national clothes and encouraging citizens to embrace their cultural heritage. Meanwhile, the Ground Forces soldiers of the regional South command in the Zhambyl Region took part in a theatrical performance dressed in the costumes of Kazakh khans and batyrs (warriors), adding a historical touch to the celebrations.
In Petropavlovsk, a fair-exhibition of national clothing and accessories featuring products from local female entrepreneurs was organized, providing a platform for showcasing traditional craftsmanship. Additionally, Karagandy students celebrated the holiday with a fashion show highlighting the beauty and significance of Kazakh traditional dress, attended by members of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and ethnocultural associations.
“Our nomadic people, our ancestors, thought out every element of clothing down to the smallest detail, taking into account the harsh time of year and the conditions of the nomadic lifestyle. As a woman, as a mother and already a grandmother, I want to emphasize that all national clothing is aimed at preserving reproductive health – everything is aimed at making you feel warm and comfortable,” said Aitzhan Kishkintayeva, a member of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan.
The Ulttyk Sezim (National Feeling) project, initiated in December 2023 to promote Kazakh culture through traditional outfits, has gained popularity and turned into a large-scale initiative. Teams of local companies across the country have adopted the tradition of wearing national clothes every Friday and adorning themselves with Kazakh jewelry.
The growing support for initiatives promoting national clothing reflects a shift towards embracing cultural heritage and traditions in Kazakhstan. Renowned designer and journalist Dinara Satzhan acknowledges the increasing demand for clothing with national elements, both domestically and internationally, highlighting the potential of local designers to rise to the occasion. The trend of wearing national clothes has transcended seasonal celebrations like Nauryz, becoming a fashionable choice for everyday wear.
