Baku, March 20, AZERTAC
President Ilham Aliyev has shared a post on his official social media accounts congratulating the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the Novruz holiday.
According to AZERTAC, the message reads:
"Dear compatriots! I sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of the Novruz holiday and wish each of you health, happiness, and success in your endeavors."
Novruz, which marks the arrival of spring and the vernal equinox, is one of the most cherished and ancient holidays in Azerbaijan. It symbolizes the awakening of nature, the renewal of life, and the triumph of light over darkness. Traditionally, the festivities include various customs such as jumping over bonfires, preparing national sweets like shekerbura and pakhlava, and decorating the "khoncha" with samani (sprouted wheat).
In Azerbaijan, Novruz is celebrated as a national holiday, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage and commitment to preserving its ancestral traditions. Since the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, Novruz festivities have gained special significance, with traditional bonfires now being lit in liberated territories, including Shusha and Khankendi, symbolizing the eternal presence of Azerbaijani culture across the entire Republic of Azerbaijan.