Baku celebrates Novruz with 1st int'l festival
By Nigar Orujova
Baku hosted the First International Novruz Festival in Icherisheher (Old city) on March 20-23.
Dedicated to the festive, signifying arrival of the spring and celebrated by millions of people worldwide, the event was initiated by Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve and has been welcomed by many locals and foreign tourists.
The festival was attended by representatives of Turkey, Russia, Iran, India, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kirgizia, who also celebrated Novruz.
The festival featured "Maidan Bazaar" arranged near the Gosha Gala Gates, which demonstrates products of national craftsmanship and decorative arts, as well as souvenirs.
During the festival, Baku residents and guests enjoyed many interesting events, including the performance of Azerbaijani wrestlers - pehlevans -, rope-walkers and magicians, as well as artists of the children's theater.
The visitors derived pleasure from listening to folk music mugham and classical music pieces, national songs of different nations, modern pop, and jazz music.
The First International Nowruz Festival was sponsored by Nar Mobile, Pasha Bank, and A+A Events.
Symbolizing the awakening of the nature and the victory of good over the evil forces of darkness represented by the winter, the Novruz holiday is the time when the cold winter finally begins to retreat, giving its place to the lively and hopeful spring.
Novruz is the favorite holiday of hearty eaters, because the traditional sweets of the Azerbaijani cuisine such as pakhlava, shakarbura, shorgogal and badambura are cooked and served at the festive table every year.
Azerbaijanis especially love Novruz holiday which marks people's equality.
Bringing together different sections of the population, the festive holiday strengthens mutual esteem, understanding, and social cohesion.