Kazakhs' Nauryz Celebration

Today I had my Mongolian class out of the four walls of my school building for another colorful and profound acculturation yet again as the Kazakh people celebrate their annual spring festival called Nauryzni Bayr (Nauryz Celebration). They annually celebrate it on the 22nd of March, where it is believed that the length of day and night is equal. This celebration is very much alike to Mongolian's Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian New Year which is on the same date as the Chinese New Year) and meaningful for the Kazakhs as it signifies birth or renewal. 

Sukhbaatar Square was so busy for the celebration. A lot of people came to celebrate with them. The Kazakh culture was prominent all over the place. Traditional food and delicacies, felt gers, games, cultural dances and Kazakh people in their colorful costumes covered the central square. We even saw eagles and visitors were given the opportunity to take photos. Well, I didn't waste time to grab the opportunity to indulge in the beautiful Kazakh culture. 'Twas as if Bayan Olgii invaded the square in a day.

One of Kazakh's Traditional Dance

With the adorable Kazakh kids in their costume

Kazakh gers are different from typical Mongolian gers, They are more bigger and taller
and the design (interior and exterior) are more stylish

Bayan Olgii is the home of Kazakh people. It is located on the western-most part of Mongolia. This place is known as the Home of Kazakh Eagle Hunters
(Berkutchii in Kazakh language)

Kazakh's most visible expression of culture is their hand-made embroidery of florid details. The design is said to be patterned after a goat horn which signifies the primary source of wealth of the nomadic herder. It is used in a wide variety of traditional clothes, wall hangings and accessories. Every Kazakh I met on that day wore these adornment as dress, deel, hats and bags. Eye-catching indeed.

It is said that a typical ger can have 5-7 wall hangings just like in the picture above
and it will take 200 hours to hand-stitch each. Amazing.

Kazakh are not only known for their artwork, but for their smiles and marvelous solidarity.

Spotted some beauties over there

And the vagabundus:

L-R: Khshgee Bagsh, Me, Shawn, Oyuka Bagsh

Spring. Renewal. Eagle. Idk but I have been thinking this verse in Isaiah 40 that might go well in this post.

But those who trust in the Lord for help    will find their strength renewed.They will rise on wings like eagles;    they will run and not get weary;    they will walk and not grow weak.

Spring is indeed a call for restoration. Awakening. Revival. Enkindling. I just hope your 22nd of March didn't just pass by for nothing. Because even the Kazakh people celebrate renewal. It is not too late to unleash your redemption today though. May you find your strength in the Sovereign One. Just like those eagles in Isaiah 40:31.