Abdulhamid Hamid Al-Kba

On March 21, 2026, the Nowruz procession entered the capital Dushanbe through its four gates, led by symbolic figures such as Baba Dehkan and the Queen of Spring, amid a festive atmosphere.

Celebratory fires were lit in Victory Park and Nowruzgoh, and marches and artistic programs began in the cultural parks, announcing the start of the new solar year. Nowruz, celebrated by more than 300 million people worldwide, is a symbol of the renewal of nature and the equinox of day and night. In Tajikistan, it brings together ancient heritage and official efforts to promote it. The main events in Dushanbe and other regions such as Hisor, Tursunzoda, and Bokhtar in Khatlon included artistic performances, exhibitions of handicrafts — copperware, knives, wood carving, jewelry — and mass marches.

In Bokhtar, for example, an exhibition of national traditions was held, followed by a procession and a large musical concert. The Second International Youth Nowruz Festival also launched, with the participation of young people from multiple countries, focusing on cultural exchange and sustainable development. The programs included national performances, a food festival, and environmental initiatives.

Sumalak: The Main Dish and Daily Challenges

Sumalak (Somoniak) remains the most prominent symbol on the table.
It is prepared collectively on the eve of the holiday with the participation of women, using sprouted wheat that is soaked and carefully germinated, then cooked for hours with continuous stirring to the rhythm of a traditional song:“In the middle of the night, we clap our hands…
Sumalak is the good news of spring…”After cooking, it is distributed to relatives and neighbors as a symbol of solidarity.

It was described in the writings of Al-Biruni, and its culture was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2025 — an important achievement, but one that comes amid challenges in preserving traditions in the face of social and economic changes.

The President’s Participation and Greeting Messages

President Emomali Rahmon participated in the official events at Nowruzgoh and delivered a congratulatory speech in which he emphasized that Nowruz is a natural celebration not linked to any religion, calling for good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. He urged helping the needy, visiting the sick and orphans, cleaning the environment, and purifying hearts.

He linked the celebration to preparations for the 35th anniversary of independence, stressing the protection of national identity and the strengthening of the state. He also referred to the International Nowruz Center in Dushanbe as a step toward preserving the heritage.

Official messages emphasize unity and peace, though they come in a context that places great focus on national achievements.

The Tourism Aspect: Opportunities and Challenges
Tajikistan witnessed an increase in tourism in 2025 with more than 2.1 million visitors, including about 1.78 million tourists. The Nowruz season is seen as an opportunity to attract more through Sumalak workshops, traditional costumes, and night markets.

Experts are discussing turning the celebration into a “tourism product” with fixed packages and digital promotion on TikTok and YouTube, with the potential to increase hotel occupancy.Nowruz remains an occasion that brings Tajiks together around values of unity and renewal, yet — like any living heritage — it faces challenges in preserving it in a changing world.

This year’s celebrations reflect strong official efforts, with room for greater development in the tourism and popular aspects.

Happy Nowruz, and may it be a year of stability and shared progress.