Сelebrating the arrival of spring 

Nowruz, Celebration of Spring, is one the most significant and cherished holidays for over 300 million people with diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds across the world. This festival which originated in Persia in ancient times is today widely celebrated in many countries – from Middle East to Central Asia. In the Persian language, “now” means “new,” and “ruz” means "day;" and together, Nowruz means “New Day.” This festival coincides with the vernal equinox, marking the beginning of the new agricultural year. The traditions and rituals accompanying the holiday symbolise the renewal of nature and man, the purification of the soul and the beginning of a new life. 

On March 20, the international youth festival Nowruz was held at Lobachevsky University. With the assistance of the UNN International Students Support Office, international students from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Turkey and Kazakhstan studying at Lobachevsky University and other Nizhny Novgorod higher educational institutions presented a colourful concert programme. The festival programme also included creative master classes, where more than 130 festival guests could learn about different crafts, customs and traditions of Nowruz celebration in different countries. In addition to students and teachers of Lobachevsky University, taking part in the event were students of the Research Medical University, the University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, the Higher School of Economics, as well as representatives of national and cultural associations of Nizhny Novgorod. 

You can see a full photo report in the VKontakte group.