Leyla Aliyeva attends Novruz festivities for orphans
By Nigar Orujova
The Heydar Aliyev Foundation held Novruz festivities for orphans and children in need of special care in Baku on March 18.
Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva attended the festivities.
A special show program was presented at the event, on the occasion of the holiday. Children were informed of the traditions of Novruz Bayram, and different games were held.
At the end of the event, which was followed by a concert program, children were given souvenirs.
The origins of Novruz Bayramı ("The New Day holiday" in Azeri) stem from ancient Persian culture, signifying the time when the sun enters the Vernal Equniox. The first recording of Novruz comes from a 2 A.D. Persian text, though many historians also believe that Novruz traditions go all the way back to the days of the Achaemenid Empire.
Novruz is popular in Azerbaijan and is considered the most ancient holiday on the Azerbaijani calendar.
Each year, Novruz is celebrated throughout Azerbaijan with special food, extensive spring cleaning, and traditions dating back hundreds of years.