AKIPRESS.COM - Kyrgyzstan is celebrating Nooruz Holiday on the the spring equinox day, March 21.

The holiday symbolizes start of spring and beginning of the new year.

During the Nowruz holidays, people are expected to make short visits to the homes of family, friends and neighbors. Typically, young people will visit their elders first, and the elders return their visit later. Visitors are offered tea and pastries, cookies, fresh and dried fruits and mixed nuts or other snacks.

One of the most common foods cooked on the occasion of Nooruz is Sumolok. This food is prepared using wheat germ.

The program of celebrations include Kok Boru tournament at Ak-Kula race tack.

Celebrations are held at Ala-Too square in Bishkek.

The event was attended by President Sadyr Japarov and first lady Aigul Japarova, Ministers, members of the Parliament and other officials.

The concert, sport games, demonstration of national rituals and customs, traditions are planned.