Today, Turkmenistan is celebrating the International day of Novruz with the entire world community. On this occasion, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov addressed his compatriots with a congratulatory greeting, which, in particular, reads:
"One of the oldest holidays in the world – Novruz Bayrami-occupies a special place in the cultural development of mankind. For many centuries, combining original traditions and rituals, the celebration of Novruz in our time has been enriched with new content, and the holiday itself has become an integral part of the cultural and spiritual heritage of mankind.
That is why Novruz is included in the list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO and the UN General Assembly has recognized it at the international level as a holiday that strengthens peaceful relations between States and popularizes the historical and cultural traditions of peoples. The International day of Novruz is widely celebrated in dozens of countries around the world.
Together with other peoples of the world, the Turkmen people have brought their life experience, moral and spiritual values, their humane principles, such as peacefulness, friendship, good-neighborliness, generosity, mutual respect, that is, all that is high spiritual values for humanity, to the traditions of Novruz.
The diverse traditions and rituals of this beautiful international holiday have had a profound impact on the harmonious development of East and West cultures, the formation of historical monuments of Turkmenistan located along the Great silk road, and the wealth of material and cultural values of the Turkmen people.
Our people on the days of Novruz bayrami, which symbolizes the beginning of a new life, lay the foundations of a new crop. And delicious treats show the fertility, wealth of our land, and hospitality.
During the spring Festival, the people demonstrate the art of bakhshi, carpet weaving, horse breeding, traditions related to animal husbandry, gardening, agriculture, their ancient values, folk games, the best examples of applied art, thereby showing the world how highly we honor our national cultural heritage.
There is a deep meaning in the fact that the national holiday of spring-the International day of Novruz-is so widely celebrated in the year, the motto of which is "Turkmenistan-the homeland of Neutrality".
This year, we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality at the international level. Neutrality is based on the same concepts as in the Novruz holiday, namely, the strengthening of peace, solidarity, and well-being. That is why we regard Turkmen neutrality as a celebration of national traditions based on the centuries-old historical path of the people, friendship, unity, and peace.
The unifying force of the national holiday of spring-the International day of Novruz – is its beautiful ideals, and the events dedicated to it will inspire the native people to achieve remarkable success, strengthen the unity and cohesion of the nation, "the Turkmen leader emphasizes," President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said in his Address on the occasion of the National holiday of spring – the International day of Novruz, celebrated on March 21-22 in Turkmenistan.
