Students Unveil Vibrant Festivals From Their Home Countries
- editor
- May 5
- 5 min read
Kyrgyzstan: Festival Nooruz
Nowruz, meaning "New Day," is a significant celebration in Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries. It marks the Persian New Year and symbolizes the arrival of spring, occurring around March 20 or 21, with the vernal equinox. The festival has ancient Zoroastrian origins and has been celebrated for thousands of years. Today, it is widely observed in countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and across Central Asia. The spelling of Nowruz varies based on language and region, with common variations including Norooz, Nawruz, Nauryz, and Nooruz in Persian-speaking areas, and Nevruz, Nauryz, and Navroz in Central Asia.
Preparations for Nowruz are extensive and begin well in advance. People clean their homes thoroughly and buy new clothes to invite good luck for the coming year. The festival's food plays a major role, with traditional dishes such as Sumalak, a sweet wheat-based dish cooked overnight with nuts and spices, as well as Beshbarmak, a meat and noodle dish, and Boorsok, deep-fried bread. During Nowruz, public spaces fill with music, dancing, and competitions like Kok-Boru, a thrilling horseback game, and various horse races. Families and friends gather in Boz Üy, traditional Kyrgyz yurts, to share food and stories.
The festival is also about community and generosity. People make an effort to help others and share their blessings. Bonfires are lit, and people jump over them for good luck, while some visit rivers or lakes as a symbolic gesture of renewal. Whether in the bustling city of Bishkek or a quiet mountain village, the spirit of Nowruz unites people in celebration, embracing the new year with hope, joy, and the arrival of spring.
References
Michael, J. (n.d.). Celebrating Nowruz. The Outreach Center Center for Middle Eastern Studies. http://cmes.hmdc.harvard.edu/outreach
MKRU. www.mk.kg
Author: Mirzat Urmatova
India: Festival of Colors & Stories Associated With Holi
Holi is a significant Hindu festival rooted in cultural and historical traditions of joy, love, and the triumph of good over evil. It marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated in March or, occasionally, in late February, depending on the Hindu luni-solar calendar. A central theme of Holi is the victory of righteousness, symbolized by the story of Prahlad and Holika. The festival begins with Holika Dahan, a bonfire lit the night before Holi, representing the burning away of evil. This is followed by Rangwali Holi, a vibrant celebration of colors the next day.
One of the most well-known origin stories of Holi is that of King Hiranyakashipu, who demanded that everyone worship him. His son, Prahlad, a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, refused to obey. Enraged, the king ordered his sister Holika—who was believed to be immune to fire—to take Prahlad into a bonfire while holding him in her lap. However, when the pyre was lit, Holika burned to death, while Prahlad remained unharmed due to his unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu.
Another popular association of Holi is with Lord Krishna’s playful and divine love for Radha. Krishna and his devotees, known as Gopikas, celebrated Holi with colors, symbolizing their deep, unconditional love and devotion.
The colors of Holi carry symbolic meanings:
Red represents fertility and love.
Blue symbolizes Krishna.
Yellow signifies auspiciousness.
Green represents new beginnings.
From right to left: Maxime Bhm, Jyoti Singh, Dharmesh Patel on Unsplash
Holi celebrations are renowned worldwide, with the most iconic tradition being the playful throwing of colored powders (gulal) and water. People enjoy festive treats such as gujiya and refreshing drinks like thandai, while music and dance add to the joyful atmosphere.
In the Indian-American diaspora, Holi is celebrated with Bollywood-themed parties, parades, and both private and public gatherings. The festival has been widely popularized in Bollywood movies, often accompanied by the enthusiastic call of “Holi hai!”—meaning “It’s Holi!”—capturing the spirit of joy and togetherness.
References
Holi hai! (n.d.). Hindu American Foundation. https://www.hinduamerican.org/holi
Author: Primal Kumar
Tanzania: Kilimanjaro Marathon - A Race Against the Clouds
Tanzania, officially the United Republic of Tanzania, is a country in East Africa within the African Great Lakes region. Tanzania shares borders with eight countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, as well as
the Indian Ocean to the east. According to the 2022 national census, Tanzania has a population of around 62 million, making it the most populous country located entirely south of the equator.
Tanzania is mountainous and densely forested in the north-east, where Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain in the world, is located. Tanzania is home to parts of three African Great Lakes: Lake Victoria (Africa's largest), Lake Tanganyika (the deepest, rich in unique fish species), and Lake Malawi. The eastern shore is hot and humid, with the Zanzibar Archipelago offshore, including the Menai Bay Conservation Area, the largest marine protected area in Zanzibar. Kalambo Falls, on the Zambian border, is Africa's second-highest uninterrupted waterfall. Making it one of the most visited tourist destinations for safaris.
From right to left: Photo by Rohan Reddy, Hu Chen, Regan African Safaris on Unsplash
From right to left: Photo by Andrea Fontalvo, Alferio Njau on Unsplash, Mark Wiens on Pinterest
The festivals in Tanzania are multicultural, as Christian, Muslim and other traditional African religions coexist within this country. Each denomination has its own celebrations and many of them take place privately within each tribe. Nonetheless, there are many official festivals in Tanzania which the tourist can watch and enjoy.
One of the most unique endurance events is the Kilimanjaro Marathon. Held annually in February, this festival of athleticism and adventure takes place at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak and one of the most iconic natural wonders. Unlike traditional marathons, this race challenges runners with high-altitude conditions and a scenic route that passes through lush coffee plantations, bustling villages, and the beautiful town of Moshi. The event includes a full marathon (42.2 km), a half marathon (21.1 km), and a fun-run that will allow all types of people to take part in the adventure. It takes place in February, which is when the temperature is the coolest.
Beyond the race, the Kilimanjaro Marathon offers participants a deeper connection to Tanzanian culture. Spectators line the streets, cheering runners on with traditional songs and dance. Many participants extend their stay to embark on a Kilimanjaro trek, a Serengeti safari, or a visit to Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, turning the marathon into a full-fledged adventure. This festival embodies the spirit of endurance, unity, and exploration, making it a standout event not just in Tanzania, but on the global stage.
References
What I wish I knew before climbing Kilimanjaro. (2017, October 1). Intrepid Travel Blog. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/climbing-kilimanjaro-advice/
“Roof Of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Tanzania, United Republic of.” Afri-res Climate knowledge and Data Portal, https://afri-res.uneca.org/index.php/country-profile/tz/tanzania-united-republic.
Author: Charles Peter Wandiba
