International Diplomats Gathered in Astana for Musical and Cultural Celebration during Nauryz Festival
Uniting Cultures Under the Eastern Sun: A Night at the Nauryz Ball
ASTANA - The Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information played host to the annual Nauryz Ball on March 28 in Astana, an event that celebrated the rich heritage of Kazakhstan with foreign diplomats, cultural figures, and officials. A vibrant canvas of traditional music, dance, and customs unfolded to mark the Eastern New Year.
A symphony of sounds filled the air, as the hall resonated with the unique art of aitys, a mesmerizing blend of poetry, oratory, and music. The evening was a testament to Kazakhstan's cultural richness and growing international connections.
Yermek Kosherbayev, Deputy Prime Minister, kicked off the evening by acknowledging the Nauryz Ball as a burgeoning tradition, reflecting Kazakhstan's cultural abundance and global interactions.
"Tonight, we bear witness to the birth of a new Kazakhstan tradition - the Nauryz Ball, a tradition now celebrated for the second consecutive year. This event unites distinguished representatives of the diplomatic corps, political leaders, and cultural figures," Kosherbayev elucidated.
First Deputy Foreign Minister Akan Rakhmetullin expressed his gratitude to the foreign ambassadors for their ongoing efforts to foster political dialogue, highlighting the significance of Nauryz as a holiday that deepens mutual respect and brings friendships closer.
The evening took the guests on a captivating journey, featuring an interactive concert tantalizing the senses with opera singers, folklore ensembles, solo artists, and musicians. As eager guests entered, they were greeted with traditional Kazakh games, including assyk atu and arm wrestling.
Kathy Leach, British Ambassador to Kazakhstan, gushed over the critics' acclaimed music, exhilarating dance performances, and the opportunity to witness people in national costumes enjoying traditional cuisines. German Ambassador Monika Iwersen echoed the sentiment, expressing the inclusive spirit of the holiday and the joy it brings.
The audience was then treated to a variety of dance performances, traditional and international, before taking to the dance floor themselves for an unforgettable grand ball. The time-honored tradition of mixing legacy with the modern was seen in the Kazakh epos performance about Aldar Kose, a popular folk hero, and a fashion show that showcased traditional clothing with a contemporary twist.
The cultural program concluded with an educational segment highlighting various customs, from birth to adulthood. The audience learned about traditional practices such as betashar, the ceremonial unveiling of a bride, and shildehana, the celebration of a newborn's birth.
Perhaps the most moving moment of the evening came with the live performance of tusaukeser, an ancient Kazakh ritual marking a child's first steps. A one-year-old, Khaknazar, the son of the event's performers, was the focus of this poignant event. The honor of cutting the ceremonial black-and-white string symbolizing the child's future path was bestowed upon Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Kazakhstan.
"Tonight is not just a celebration of Kazakh culture, but a testament to its enduring traditions. As UNICEF, we believe that a good start is crucial for a child's future. I wish Khaknazar all the best for the journey that lies ahead," beamed Dr. Sarwar.
In essence, the Nauryz Ball is more than an annual gathering; it is a catalyst for cross-cultural understanding, dialogue, and unity. It is a tradition that transcends borders and celebrates the renewal of nature, the unity of cultural heritages, and the shared aspirations of nations.
- The Nauryz Ball, held in Kazakhstan, celebrates the country's rich heritage and growing international connections, featuring traditional music, dance, and customs.
- Yermek Kosherbayev, Deputy Prime Minister, hailed the Nauryz Ball as a burgeoning tradition reflecting Kazakhstan's cultural abundance and global interactions.
- German Ambassador Monika Iwersen embraced the inclusive spirit of the Nauryz Ball and praised the opportunity to witness people in national costumes enjoying traditional cuisines.
- The Nauryz Ball showcased cultural traditions, including a fashion show presenting traditional clothing with a contemporary twist, and an educational segment revealing customs such as betashar and shildehana.
- The Nauryz Ball, a yearly event, serves as a catalyst for cross-cultural understanding, dialogue, and unity, celebrating renewal, cultural heritages, and shared aspirations of nations.
