Today Russia and several CIS countries celebrate the Day of Knowledge. Since this year's holiday falls in Sunday, many schools will carry out celebratory events on September 2.
16,5 million pupils will begin their school year on Monday, almost 2 million of them are first-graders.
Knowledge Day originated in the USSR, where it had been established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of June 15, 1984. This day also marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.
It has special significance for the incoming class of first graderswho come to school for the first time and often participate in a celebratory assembly on this date. The day also involves the First Bell.
On the Knowledge Day, the Minister of Education of Russia Olga Vasilyeva congratulated the students.
“I want to congratulate everyone on the new school year. This year we have almost 2 million kids going to first grade. I sincerely wish our first-graders all the best,” she said.
