The Embassy of Tajikistan in Seoul marked the ancient festival of Navruz on Saturday, celebrating peace, renewal and Tajik people’s traditions.

Navruz, meaning “New Day,” heralds the arrival of spring and is observed annually on March 21, the vernal equinox. The celebration traces back over 6,000 years, with historical ties to the Silk Road and widespread observance in countries such as Iran, India, Turkey and Central Asia.

The festival is said to have a tradition of thousands of years in regions along the Silk Road, including the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, the Caucasus, Central Asia and the Middle East, and is celebrated on March 21 every year in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Tajikistan formally declared it a national holiday in the late 1980s.

Since gaining independence in 1991, Tajikistan — under President Emomali Rahmon's leadership — has elevated Navruz celebrations, making them more elaborate and culturally rich, according to the embassy.

While the origins of Navruz are often linked to the Persian mythical king, Jamshid, who is said to have established the festival after a miraculous flight in a chariot, some historians believe the tradition may predate even those legends.

Similar stories appear across Indian, Turkish and Central Asian cultures. Another popular figure is Amu Nowruz, or Uncle Nowruz, a cherished character in Iranian and Central Asian folklore who is believed to bring gifts to children during the festive season.

“Navruz is an august and ancient tradition of our cultural forebears,“ said Tajik Ambassador to Korea Salohiddin Kirom in his remarks.

He highlighted that Navruz rituals reflect the highest human values and a deep respect for nature, strengthening national identity and moral values, while also encouraging acts of compassion, such as caring for orphans, those with disabilities and the elderly.

“Independent Tajikistan, with its refined and culture-loving populace, stands as the rightful heir to this world-renowned celebration… Indeed, our beloved Tajikistan is the authentic cradle of Navruz,” said the ambassador.

He also quoted Tajik President Emomali Rahmon’s Navruz message, noting the revival of Aryan festivals such as Sada, Tirgon and Mehrgon in independent Tajikistan.

“It is through our independence that we ensure the sustainability and perpetuation of the national, cultural, scientific and literary values of the Aryan people throughout history,” Kirom said.

He noted that, thanks to President Emomali Rahmon's initiative, Navruz was recognized by UNESCO and the United Nations in 2010 as an international holiday, symbolizing peace, tolerance and new beginnings.