NUST MISIS students have celebrated the International Day of Nowruz, a spring festival symbolizing the beginning of a new life. 80 undergraduates from the CIS countries rejoiced at the celebration with a concert program and traditional treats.
Nowruz is celebrated on the vernal equinox day on March 21 as the beginning of the new year by more than 300 million people worldwide in such countries as Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, as well as in some regions of Russia. Nowruz means “new day” in Persian, the tradition of celebration has existed since the VI century BC. In 2009, UNESCO included Nowruz in the list of intangible cultural heritage of mankind.
MISIS University international students dressed up in national costumes, set the table, presented authentic household items, outfits and hats at the exhibition. One of the symbols of the holiday is “samanu”, a sweet dish made from sprouted wheat grain. In addition to that, the guests tasted pilaf, samsa, pies and other dishes from various national cuisines.
“Nowruz is a traditional international holiday marking the arrival of spring. Young people from all regions of Russia and 85 countries of the world study at MISIS University. We support foreign students as they adjust to the university environment, we organize cultural days, ethnic quizzes, international youth conferences, as well as create a comfortable atmosphere in dormitories,” said Alevtina Chernikova, Rector of MISIS University.
Representatives from the communities of Azerbaijan, Dagestan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan performed folk songs, danced, played musical instruments and recited poetry. They also talked about the customs of their countries. The guests also took part in a quiz on the knowledge of the Nowruz traditions.
