Azerbaijan is celebrating Od Charsanbasi (Fire Tuesday) today, the second of the four festive Tuesdays leading up to the Novruz holiday. Operative Information Center-OMM reports that fire has lived in the memory and thinking of the Turkic people as a symbol of sanctity, a symbolism that has been preserved to the present day.
The essence of Od Charsanbasi lies in the sacredness of fire and the belief that it cleanses individuals of all evil and malice, ensuring the ultimate victory of good. This Tuesday stems from the ancient beliefs of people in the Sun and fire. According to tradition, people light bonfires today and jump over the flames to symbolically burn away all internal "impurities" and ailments.
As with other Tuesdays of Novruz, it is customary for pots to boil and for the hearth not to be empty. According to folk beliefs, the lighting of a bonfire signifies that the year will be warm and fertile. Since ancient times, people have protected and respected fire, with the bonfire always carrying symbolic meaning, as clearly seen in the "Book of Dede Korkut" epic. Long before Zoroastrianism, people symbolized fire as the earthly representation of the Sun, which revives nature and warms the soil. There is a belief that the more people cherish the sun and fire, the faster nature will warm up and bring happiness to the people.
Novruz is one of the most important and beloved holidays in Azerbaijan, marking the arrival of spring and the renewal of nature. The four Tuesdays—Su Charsanbasi (Water Tuesday), Od Charsanbasi (Fire Tuesday), Yel Charsanbasi (Wind Tuesday), and Torpaq Charsanbasi (Earth Tuesday)—each represent one of the four elements of life. Yel Charsanbasi will be celebrated on March 10, and the final one, Torpaq Charsanbasi, will be observed on March 17.
Spring will officially arrive in Azerbaijan on March 20 at 18:45:53 Baku time. The Novruz holiday will be celebrated across the country on March 20-21.
