In Lithuanian Town of Druskininkai Celebrated Nauryz Holiday

Druskininkai, April 22, 2024 – The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Lithuania together with the “NurSaule” Kazakh diaspora and support of the city administration held the “Nauryz-Druskinikai-2024” festival.

The event was attended by deputies of the Seimas, representatives of Lithuanian ministries and departments, the diplomatic corps, business and public circles, Kazakh students and residents of the resort town.

Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Lithuania Timur Urazaev in his welcoming speech spoke about the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, which is an important part of Kazakh-Lithuanian relations. The great contribution of the Kazakh diaspora in Lithuania and the many thousands of Lithuanian diaspora in Kazakhstan to preserving and increasing cultural exchange was noted. In this context, the unique experience of our country in the field of interethnic and interfaith harmony and the role of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions for bringing religions, cultures and civilizations closer together were emphasized.

Member of the Seimas Zenonas Streikus, Deputy Mayor of Druskinikai Linas Urmanavičius and Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan Albertas Milinis also delivered welcoming speeches.

Kazakh students performed folk kyuis on the dombra and demonstrated the national dance “Kara Zhorga”. The Kazakh diaspora performed popular folk songs and presented the rituals “kyz uzatu” and “tusau kesu”.

The main element of the event was the yurt, in which all the event guests and city residents showed keen interest. They were able to get acquainted with the traditions and customs of the Kazakh people, learn the sacred meaning of the elements of the yurt and try on national costumes.

The guests were presented with the epic novel “The Path of Abai” by Mukhtar Auezov, the novel “The Return of the Teacher” by Anuar Alimzhanov and a collection of Kazakh folk tales translated into Lithuanian.

The “arkan tartu” sports competition and the awarding of gifts to its participants was timed to coincide with the 5th World Nomad Games and the 800th anniversary of Ulus Zhoshy.

The President of the “Togyzkumalak” Federation in Lithuania, Aidas Zhandaris, told the guests about the history and rules of the game, designed to develop logical mathematical thinking and endurance and also conducted a master class.

The guests tasted traditional Kazakh cuisine, including “Nauryz kozhe”, baursaks and zhent.  Photo exhibition with photographs of tourist attractions, as well as prominent figures of culture and art of Kazakhstan was placed on the central pedestrian alley of the city.

The Embassy expressed gratitude to the Kazakh diaspora, friends and partners for providing and installing a yurt, organizing concerts and preparing Kazakh dishes, which made it possible to hold a beautiful holiday without attracting budgetary funds.