Azerbaijan to celebrate first Tuesday before Novruz tomorrow

Tomorrow will be the first Tuesday of Novruz - Su Chershenbesi (Water Tuesday)

Report informs that preparations for Novruz holiday start from Su Chershenbesi.

According to beliefs, God first created the water, therefore, the first Tuesday is marked as Su Chershenbesi.. Some sources refer to it an 'original Tuesday', and 'flower Tuesday'. By ancient beliefs, Su Chershenbesi is considered the day of worshipping water. It is a tradition to collect 'new water', which is believed to heal many diseases, at the sunrise.

Novruz is a herald of spring and is considered the beginning of the year. Therefore, people pray for their year to be as transparent and fair as water. On these days the first 'tongals' (bonfires) are lit symbolizing the melting snows and outgoing winter.

Azerbaijan is to mark Od Chershenbe (Fire Tuesday) on March 1, Yel chershenbe (Wind Tuesday) on March 8 and Torpaq Chershenbe (Ground Tuesday) on March 15.