Nauryz Ball in Astana Celebrates Music and Culture with Diplomats
The Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information recently hosted the annual Nauryz Ball in Astana on March 28. This event brought together foreign diplomats, cultural figures, and officials to celebrate the Eastern New Year and Kazakh heritage through traditional music, dance, and customs.
Deputy Prime Minister Yermek Kosherbayev opened the evening by highlighting the Nauryz Ball as a newly emerging tradition that showcases Kazakhstan’s cultural richness and international engagement. He emphasized the importance of embracing harmony and mutual respect, as well as working towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
First Deputy Foreign Minister Akan Rakhmetullin expressed gratitude to foreign ambassadors for their efforts in elevating political dialogue and cooperation. He noted the significance of Nauryz in bringing friends closer, reconciling conflicts, and promoting mutual respect.
The event featured a lively interactive concert with opera singers, folklore ensembles, solo artists, and national musicians. Guests enjoyed traditional Kazakh games and a unique spoken art form called aitys, blending poetry, public speaking, and music. The evening also included a fashion show showcasing traditional clothes with modern design.
Guests like Kathy Leach, the British Ambassador to Kazakhstan, and German Ambassador Monika Iwersen expressed their joy at the celebration and the inclusive spirit of Nauryz. The cultural program included performances of traditional and international dances, as well as segments on Kazakh customs from birth to adulthood.
One of the most moving moments was the live performance of tusaukeser, an ancient Kazakh ritual marking a child’s first steps. This symbolic ceremony was performed for one-year-old Khaknazar, the son of performing artists at the event. The child was guided across a mat to symbolize a smooth journey through life by Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, a UNICEF representative in Kazakhstan.
Overall, the Nauryz Ball was a vibrant celebration that showcased the rich cultural heritage of Kazakhstan and promoted unity, mutual respect, and cooperation on an international level.
