As spring begins, so does the Persian New Year. The festival of Norouz, celebrated on March 20 and 21, coincides with the spring equinox. Throughout Central Asia, the Caucasus, and parts of the Middle East, people are planning family celebrations with food and music, and markets are bustling with shoppers preparing for the holiday.
Norouz Celebrations Welcome Spring Across The Region
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Tents are set up for the holiday of Amal Mayram, celebrated a few days before Norouz, in Kazakhstan's Mangystau region.
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Kazakhs in Mangystau share a festive meal for Amal Mayram.
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Food preparation in Mangystau
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Pre-Norouz shopping at Shohmansur market in Dushanbe, Tajikistan