Today is Novruz holiday in Azerbaijan

Today, our people are welcomed one of their favorite holidays Novruz. This is the fourth Novruz holiday celebrated by the Azerbaijani people after the victory in the Patriotic War, which ended with a great victory.

In September last year, the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan was ensured as a result of the successful anti-terrorist operation of our army led by Commander-In-Chief Ilham Aliyev.

This year, for the first time, Novruz bonfires remain in Khankendi, Askaran, Aghdara, Khojaly and Khojavand, our ancient homelands that were freed from occupation. Today, holiday tables are opened in liberated from occupation of the settlements and villages of Karabakh.

This year, the people of Azerbaijan welcome the Novruz holiday with pride.

 It should be noted that the arrival of spring in Azerbaijan this year will coincide with 19:33:23 on March 20. At this time, day and night will be equal, the Sun will move along the ecliptic, cross the equator and pass from the Southern Hemisphere to the Northern Hemisphere. From that moment, the astronomical spring season will begin in the Northern Hemisphere, and the autumn season will begin in the Southern Hemisphere. The length of the summer season will be 92 days, 17 hours, 40 minutes.

 Novruz is the first day of spring, which marks the be equal of day and night.

 It should be remembered that Novruz holiday was included in the list of intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO on September 30, 2009.

Our ancestors associated the arrival of spring with the revival of nature, held festivities on this occasion, and celebrated it as the beginning of the new year. According to some ancient beliefs, the universe was created from four elements - water, fire, wind and soil. It is for this reason that 4 Charshanbas before Novruz are celebrated every year.

This holiday has its own customs, such as throwing a belt or swinging a whip, fortune-telling, jumping over a bonfire, growing barley, dyeing eggs, having an egg fight, going to a party, lighting a candle, and going on a merry-go-round.

According to the belief of our people, on the day of Novruz holiday, especially on Ilakhir Charshanba, they do not return the belt thrown at the door empty, but they only have pleasant conversations at home. On Novruz, they visit the houses of relatives and neighbors, bring them gifts, and on the day of the holiday, they light candles as many as the number of the family.

Happy Holiday!