Nawruz (or Nowruz), the holiday of vernal equinox, celebrated as the beginning of the new year of the astronomical solar calendar by Iranian and Turkic peoples, has been celebrated today in Moscow . The press service of the Mayor and the government of Moscow noted: "This is a significant urban social event that traditionally attracts the attention of Muscovites of various nationalities."
The main area of the city holiday "Nawruz 2012" was the State Central Concert Hall "Russia" (Palace of Sports "Luzhniki"). "Navruz 2012" was held with the participation of foreign embassies and national associations of Moscow, including the All-Russian Azerbaijani Congress, with support from the department of inter-regional cooperation, national policy and relations with religious organizations of the capital.
Guests of the festival had a chance to taste national cuisines and learn about folk art. The concert program was represented by professional creative groups and artists of Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. Performances in honor of Nowruz were prepared by artists from almost all of Moscow's ethnic communities.
According to the correspondent of VK, "Two dzhigits from Dagestan are standing at the entrance, enticing guests to dance the lezginka. Almost nobody was eager to break into dancing, but nonetheless this playful melody cheered the common mood. On the first floor othere was something to marvel and, in accordance with one's need or wishes, one could purchase a souvenir or something one had long dreamed about. It
is not necessary to go away from the capital, because today, under the one roof of "Luzhniki" Palace, it became possible to be simultaneously in the various republics without crossing borders."
Guests gathered slowly, in eastern fashion, with dignity and without fuss, with families, friends and relatives. Nowruz sounds the same in all languages, but for most of the audience it is yet another celebration of unity and generosity. After all, today nearly 400 million people around the world are celebrating Nawruz.
"Guests were led to the second floor of the festive palace by scents. Many anticipated something, and when they came up to the floor, they were captivated. And then the guests sat together at a large table and listened to the performances of artistes. A grand variety concert completed the program," the reporter adds.
From the stage of the concert hall of Luzhniki Palace, on behalf of all the ambassadors, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia, Polad Bulbuloglu, thanked Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, the departments of the Moscow government and Yuri Artyukhov personally "for the fact that today we have gathered together here, in the heart of the Russian capital, and had the opportunity to congratulate all our friends."
