Many national holidays have a religious character, so local people strictly follow all ancient traditions on these days. For example, 70 days after the end of Oraza fasting, local people celebrate an important holiday – Qurbani Eid. The name of the holiday literally means “the holiday of sacrifice”. In accordance with an ancient tradition, each family must sacrifice a domestic animal, such as sheep, cow, or a camel, on this day. That is the way local people pay homage to supreme forces. It is believed that everyone, who has participated in the ritual, will have a prosperous year.
According to another tradition, each local person must prepare a dasturxon early in the morning. This is a specially decorated table with festive food – guests may come anytime and enjoy it. As a rule, various pastries, fruit, and candies are traditional treats on this day. Hosts only need to prepare tea when guests come. Mosques host service on this day, but only Muslim people are allowed to enter. Tourists are allowed to watch from some distance.
In the end of March, namely, on March 21-22, all people in Central Asia celebrate another important holiday – Nauruz. This is the time when people welcome spring and celebrate the change of seasons with dancing, songs, and delicious food. In Kazakhstan, tourists can see traditional games of the region – aitys and kokpar during this celebration. These medieval traditions are specific only for Nauruz. In Astana, there are always free concerts and food on the main squares of the city.
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