Nauriz (Nauryz) – Kazakh Spring Festival in Mongolia

Nauriz (also spelled Nauryz) is a joyful spring festival celebrated by Kazakhstan and Kazakh communities across Central Asia, including western Mongolia. It marks the spring equinox, when day and night are equal, symbolizing balance, renewal, and the start of a new year in traditional Kazakh culture.

In Mongolia, Nauriz is especially important among Kazakh nomads in Bayan-Ölgii. Families gather to clean homes, wear traditional Kazakh clothing, and welcome guests with warmth and generosity. A special dish called Nauriz Kozhe—made from seven symbolic ingredients—is shared to represent prosperity, health, and abundance for the coming year.

The celebration includes:

• Traditional Kazakh music and singing

• Horse games and cultural performances

• Community feasts and family visits