Baku to solemnly celebrate Last Tuesday of Novruz
By Laman Ismayilova
Novruz Bayram, the loveliest holiday of Azerbaijanis is just around the corner.
Being a family holiday and differing from other holidays in its historical roots, essence and culture, Novruz is traditionally celebrated on March 20-21.
Before the actual holiday, people mark four pre-holiday Tuesdays, each of which is dedicated to the awakening of one of the natural elements called Su Chershenbesi (Water Tuesday), Od Chershenbesi (Fire Tuesday) Hava Chershenbesi (Wind Tuesday) and Torpaq Chershenbesi (Earth or Last Tuesday).
The Last Tuesday is believed to be very special, since just a few days separate people from the main holiday. Moreover, people become to feel that the beautiful spring season is closer - the air gets warmer and buds are blooming.
Being a symbol of awakening and spring the last Tuesday means the beginning of field work. Earth feeds humans, and its awakening after a frosty winter means the awakening and rebirth of all living creatures.
People are usually busy with cooking and tidying, so that to meet the upcoming holiday with a clean house, and not bring the troubles of the old year into the new one.
This year Azerbaijanis celebrates Earth Tuesday on March 14. Several events will be organized in Baku to mark the Tuesday.
Beloved Novruz characters- Kechel, Kosa ,Bahar gizi (Spring girl), as well as Dede Gorgud will welcome and congratulate Bakuians on this day.
They will be accompanied by musicians and a large festive camel caravan, which will head to the temple Ateshgah in Surakhani.
The procession will start from the Icherisheher subway station, down the street Istiglaliyat, passing the metro station "Sahil", Government House, Supreme Court, Heydar Aliyev Avenue and will continue in the direction of the temple.
In addition, a concert and fireworks will be organized.
The event is organized by the Baku City Main Department of Culture and Tourism.
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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova
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