As spring unfolds, the Navruz holiday is celebrated across Kazakhstan and many other regions, marking the arrival of a new season and a new beginning. Falling on March 21 every year, this ancient festivity has roots that extend far beyond our era, intricately linked with the spring equinox, which symbolizes renewal and new life.
The term Navruz, which translates from Farsi to "new day," captures the essence of this joyful celebration. It serves not only as a cultural milestone but, in some traditions, as the equivalent of New Year festivities. Countries such as Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey all join Kazakhstan in commemorating this occasion, while regions of Russia—including Dagestan, Tatarstan, and Bashkortostan—also take part in the celebrations.
As part of the traditions tied to Navruz, families undertake rituals of cleanliness, purging their homes of the old and making way for the new. Preparations include deep cleaning, clearing out unnecessary clutter, and even spiritual cleansing through forgiveness and the settling of debts. These acts emphasize the holiday's theme of renewal, allowing individuals to enter the new season with a clear mindset.
This year, the Bureau of National Statistics in Kazakhstan aimed to quantify the cost of preparing one of the central dishes served during Navruz: kozhe. According to reports from Kursiv Media, the statistical bureau announced the average prices of the ingredients required to create this traditional dish. The essential components of kozhe include dairy products, grains, and horse meat, each playing a significant role in its rich flavor.
As revealed in the recent calculations, the average cost of one liter of kefir (2.5%) stands at 446 tenge, while one liter of milk (also 2.5%) is priced at 413 tenge. Furthermore, pearl barley, another main ingredient, is reported to cost 399 tenge per kilogram. Rice is more expensive, averaging 639 tenge per kilogram. Horse meat, a prominent ingredient in kozhe, commands a much higher price, reaching 3098 tenge. Finally, the average price of salt across Kazakhstan rests at 76 tenge.
The culmination of these expenses amounts to approximately 5000 tenge to prepare kozhe for the Navruz festivities. This price reflects not only the economic factors involved in the celebration but also the importance of maintaining culinary traditions during this festive period.
Adding more depth to the dish, the recipe may incorporate kurt (a type of dried cheese) along with other regional variations, which could include mash (mung beans), kuraga (dried apricots), or even noodles, depending on local preferences.
The significance of Navruz extends far beyond merely preparing dishes like kozhe. It embodies the spirit of unity and cultural richness experienced in Kazakhstan and neighboring countries. As families gather to celebrate, the meal serves as a centerpiece, fostering connections among relatives and friends while reestablishing communal bonds.
In essence, the joy of Navruz resonates through the diverse customs that accompany its celebration, including elaborate feasts, traditional music, and dances. The holiday is a time for storytelling and sharing, where the younger generation learns from their elders about the values and traditions that shape their community's identity.
This year, as most regions come together to honor Navruz, the calculation of costs associated with traditional dishes illustrates a deeper understanding of cultural priorities. With each meal prepared, stories, customs, and connections are likewise passed down, ensuring that the vibrance of Navruz continues to flourish even in changing times.
