Novruz holiday included in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Novruz holiday included in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Decision was made at annual meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
Cultural policy
November 30, 2016 13:40
Novruz holiday included in UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Baku. 30 November. REPORT.AZ/ Novruz holiday included in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Report informs referring to the press service of UNESCO, decision was made at an annual meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Notably, the appeal was made from few states - Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan.

New Year is often a time when people wish for prosperity and new beginnings. March 21 marks the start of the year in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It is referred to as Nauryz, Navruz, Nawrouz, Nevruz, Nooruz, Novruz, Nowrouz or Nowruz meaning ‘new day’ when a variety of rituals, ceremonies and other cultural events take place for a period of about two weeks. An important tradition practised during this time is the gathering around ‘the Table’, decorated with objects that symbolize purity, brightness, livelihood and wealth, to enjoy a special meal with loved ones. New clothes are worn and visits made to relatives, particularly the elderly and neighbours. Gifts are exchanged, especially for children, featuring objects made by artisans. There are also street performances of music and dance, public rituals involving water and fire, traditional sports and the making of handicrafts. These practices support cultural diversity and tolerance and contribute to building community solidarity and peace. They are transmitted from older to younger generations through observation and participation.

Notably, Novruz holiday was also included in UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.At that time, less countries made an appeal - Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan.

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