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BISHKEK, March 21 ( Xinhua ) -- Spring festival of Nowruz celebrations were held in Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday to greet the coming of a new spring.
A theatrical performance, activities with national games and other entertainments were organized in the capital city of Bishkek to celebrate the Nowruz festival.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic and Bishkek Mayor's Office organized a diplomatic charity fair with the participation of the diplomats from various countries.
President Atambayev said in a congratulatory message that Tuesday's Nowruz festival is significant because it is celebrated in the Year of Morality, Education and Culture.
"The best pages of the centuries-old history of Kyrgyzstan and the culture of our ancestors are opening for us. The country is on the rise," the Kyrgyz leader said.
Although the festival has been celebrated from the ancient times, the celebration of Nowruz in Kyrgyzstan on March 21 was officially established by the law of the Kyrgyz Republic only on Feb. 5, 1991.
The UN General Assembly in 2010 declared March 21 the International Day of Nowruz.
On the night from 20 to 21 March, according to tradition, Muslims cook sumolok (porridge) from sprouted wheat (barley, millet) by adding flour, as well as dried apricots and raisins for flavor.
While porridge was boiling, people sang songs all the night and tell legends. People pray that the year would be rich, productive, peaceful and prosperous. Enditem
