News

On March 19, 2026, the National Library presented to users a wide traditional book exhibition titled “Azerbaijani National Holiday – Novruz,” a virtual exhibition “Novruz – Our Beloved Holiday,” and an electronic information database “Novruz Holiday,” dedicated to Novruz, the holiday symbolizing friendship, kindness, compassion, culture, and the heroism and resilience of the people.

The traditional exhibition features literature in Azerbaijani and foreign languages about Novruz, its history, traditions, beliefs, rituals, ceremonies, games and performances, as well as the centuries-old economic life shaped by folk experience, the development of folk arts, and oral folk literature, accompanied by photographs.

The virtual exhibition, available at https://anl.az/el/vsb/Novruz/index.htm, presents materials such as the congratulatory message of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the Azerbaijani people on the occasion of Novruz, images of Novruz bonfires lit across Azerbaijan, celebrations in Karabakh regions, as well as articles from the press and publications in Azerbaijani and foreign languages.

The electronic database, available at https://anl.az/el/emb/Novruz/index.html, offers full-text resources in sections such as “Novruz Holiday,” “International Novruz Holiday,” “Novruz Traditions,” “Wednesdays,” “Games,” “Novruz Sayings,” “Novruz Fortune-Telling,” “Publications about Novruz,” “Video Gallery,” and “Photo Gallery.”

Novruz is one of the most ancient and beloved holidays of the Azerbaijani people. It symbolizes the arrival of spring, the awakening of nature, and the beginning of the new year. Its roots go back thousands of years to the beliefs of ancient Eastern peoples. The holiday represents peace, friendship, unity, and renewal.

Novruz is not only a celebration but also an important tradition that preserves the nation’s cultural and moral values. It brings people together, spreading joy and hope.

Today, the people of Azerbaijan celebrate Novruz across the entire country with great enthusiasm. Families gather, share happiness, continue national traditions, prepare festive tables, place sprouting wheat (semeni), and make traditional sweets. Children enjoy festivities around bonfires, while elders preserve ancient customs. The holiday reflects the unity, cultural richness, and hopes of the Azerbaijani people for the future.