International Students Celebrate Navruz

Russian universities held vernal equinox festivities.  

Navruz is an ancient spring festival, symbolising the beginning of a new life. It is a tradition in many countries including Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, India, Iran, Afghanistan, Albania and several Russian regions such as Northern Caucasus, Bashktortostan and Tatarstan.

International students take part in Russian universities celebrations marking the arrival of spring. It is an excellent opportunity to connect with different cultures and traditions. South Ural State University held a three-day Navruz festival. Students from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan wore national costumes to perform songs and dances, described their customs and arranged contests. Books and everyday objects of Asian peoples were displayed in the hall of the SUSU Main Building. The key part of the holiday was the tasting of national dishes such Tajik flatbread, pies, pilaw, sumalyak (a dish made from germinated wheat) etc.

Ural Federal University had a large celebration of Navruz. In addition to the show, the university arranged football, volleyball, table tennis and chess competitions involving students from the Commonwealth of Independent States, Georgia, Iran, India, Albania, Afghanistan, Macedonia and Turkey. The holiday was not without treats. Guests tasted pilaw, gubadia (sweet pie with layers of rice, raisins and chopped eggs), echpochmak (potatoe and meat pies), baursak (doughnuts), airan (sour milk drink) and Afghan drink Haft Mewa made from dried fruits and nuts.

National University of Science and Technology MISIS students from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus and Angola played musical instruments, read poems and performed standups. Guests were invited to take part in the contest for the knowledge of Navruz traditions.