Nooruz in AUCA

March 15, 2013

Our University (AUCA) was created many years ago. In those years Kyrgyzstan was facing global changes. No wonder that Chinese people say "I wish you go back in time!" while arguing with somebody.  As I have said previously, those years were difficult years. However, along with that, these were the years of the start, of new beginning and recovery ...

I remember how little by little we began to celebrate this holiday in order to resume the celebration of the Nooruz holiday. Even then it was not usual that it is a holiday, even though we knew from history that our ancestors celebrated it calling a New Day for many centuries. Many still do not treat properly and do not pay enough attention to this holiday. But this kind of attitude is not just to the Nooruz holiday but also other national holidays as Kurman Ait and Orozo Ait were also overlooked.

In the early years, while teaching students, it was evident for me, that the material on these holidays were not enough, in fact, they almost did not exist. In that and in subsequent years, the information, which was banned before, eventually broke out and began to spread like a spring. Many things were new to us.

Starting from 1996-1997, the University, along with the holidays of America, started celebrating the Nooruz holiday. For those of us who treat with a new look to new atmospheres and new trends and begin to live a new life, everything was interesting, good and long-lasting. Whether it is a work or a holiday, we rejoice with all your heart, and carry them with new strength, good intentions, with family friendship, with the relentless power of youth and love for our University. Over time, the scope of activities grew more and more along with the University. We have held amazing and wonderful celebration of the Nooruz holidays!

I remember that in one year, all students from other countries formed several groups and showed us on stage how they celebrate Nooruz in their countries. Positive emotions derived from this event, we remembered many more years after Nooruz.

One group of students (I think a group of Turkmen students) tied a large scarf to a long wood stick, and guys jumped one by one and tried to catch the scarf. To this day I cannot believe my eyes when suddenly one student flew like an arrow and pulled out this scarf! We were impressed by the fire, spirit, strength, beauty and infinite of youth. I think the room turned over three times at that moment!

 For many years, the representatives of all ethnic groups, students from other countries and all teachers were involved in Nooruz and all celebrated this holiday as one family. On the one hand, it was interesting fo4 everybody because they were in competition with each other, on the other hand, sincerely rejoicing filled their breasts with beams of joy, youth and sun. In the great hall of the University, which was full, joyous, noisy, colorful and bright, the girls looked like spring ...

Celebration of Nooruz 2002 was different from the other years of celebrating Nooruz. Tushoo toi of the child of one of our graduates was held in the square. You cannot imagine how fun it was! On one corner there was a table of delicious national Kyrgyz food, on the other, the national games, on a third corner, there was the national exhibition of handicrafts, on the other corner the celebration of the Tushoo toi itself. As the Kyrgyz saying goes, the one who was in this celebration is in regret, and that one who has not been there is as well is in regret. I am grateful to everybody who came that day, especially to my colleagues, many of whom are no longer here, they went to work in other places. This year, we did not forget about this tradition and are also planning to make Tushoo toi of the child of one of our graduates. Talented guys are going to show their skills at this great event. We plan to "open" the way to  a child, wish him good wishes and share with everyone our good Kyrgyz tradition that came to us from our ancestors.

Dear great and small community of our university! Let's make a holiday to ourselves instead of being satisfied with the memories of past holidays. By welcoming the Nooruz holiday held on the scope of the celebration of 20 years of the University, recalling the tradition of Kyrgyz people, we hope for your support of this initiative of the University administration and the staff of the "Kyrgyz language" Program!

It is wonderful that we celebrate other country’s holidays very loud and broad, however, it is not a division of nations, but if you do not like and do not respect your own holidays, celebrating the holidays of others seems like a sham. Let's celebrate the New Day and the New Year as it should be celebrated. Perhaps we are in for an even better future!

Akmatova Asia

Associate Professor of the "Kyrgyz Language" Program

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