Alexx Sanchez
asanch16@uwyo.edu
Central Asian New Year or Naruz is a celebration of the return of spring that has been observed for thousands of years, and it will be celebrated at UW.
“The holiday is called Naruz which actually comes from a Persian word. Persian is a language spoken in Iran. Na means new and ruz means day so it’s the new day,” Dr. Marianna Kamp, adviser to Central Asian Student Association (CASA) and associate professor of History, said.
Kamp explained that Naruz is like a season and it begins on March 21.
Dilnoza Khasilova, president of CASA and PhD. student in literacy, said Naruz is celebrated by five different countries, including Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
Naruz is celebrated in each of the five countries at the same time. It is a time for the Central Asian people to enjoy a day off to cook traditional dishes only made once a year, like sumalak, spend time with friends and family and attend festivals. However, it is not like a traditional new year to signify the beginning of a new calendar year.
“It doesn’t mean we are starting a new year in March. It’s something where in our traditions will usually mean if there are weddings, new brides will usually do their traditional song, put on cultural clothing and invite over company or try to cook for her family,” Khasilova said.
To help students at UW celebrate this event, CASA is hosting an event in the Union Ballroom today. Kamp said there are not many Central Asian students on campus, but the students in CASA all work very hard to bring this event together. Kamp said it is also a good opportunity for the Central Asian students to share their culture which many people do not know much about.
“The reason why we celebrate here on campus because we want to celebrate Naruz and at the same time promote our culture to show what we have,” Khasilova said.
During this year’s celebration, the event will include a festive dinner with national folk music of Central Asia. Traditional dancers and a singer will be there to perform at the event. Khasilova said the performers have performed at many different universities to help Central Asian students abroad to celebrate Naruz.
Zulya Rajabova, founder and president of Silk Roads Treasure Tours, will also be a guest speaker. Rajabova said she has spoken at many prestigious establishments, such as Princeton and the Smithsonian. She will be there to speak about Central Asia, and the opportunities students have to study abroad or even obtain an internship there.
“The presentation will be about Central Asian history and geography, traditions and customs, festivals and art,” Rajabova said. “Central Asia is a destination where civilizations develop throughout the millennia and is a major part of the development of the Silk Road.”
Rajabova said for anyone wanting to visit Central Asia, the countries have deep history, spectacular mountains, hospitable people and authentic cuisine. She added it is important to learn values of the Central Asian people. For example, their strong ties with family and having multiple generations living under one roof.
Rajabova also said she was grateful to have the opportunity to come speak at the University of Wyoming.
Khasilova said students should come to the Naruz celebration to enjoy traditional food, share a good time with friends and family, dance and learn about a unique culture.
“We couldn’t celebrate without student government, international students and scholars office, international programs office, college of education and history department.” Khasilova said.
