Nauryz: one holiday, different holiday tables
Kazakh Nauryz-Kozhe and Uzbek Kholvaytar show how differently they prepare a common meal for the spring holiday.
Common spring, many traditions
In the UNESCO list, Nauryz is represented as a joint tradition of several countries in Asia and the Middle East. The description combines respect for nature, humans and all living things, the beginning of spring and good wishes. This broad geography helps to understand the diversity of holiday cuisine: a common cultural theme does not require the same menu, the same dish names, or a single recipe for all families.
Seven components of nauryz-kozhe
In a message from the Department of Culture of the Akmola region about the culinary competition, Nauryz-kozhe is described as a dish with seven components. The specific composition is given: water, meat, barley, kefir, kurt, salt and herbs. At the competition, participants showed their skills, and nearby there was an exhibition of crafts. This example is interesting because the kitchen turns out to be part of the general holiday, along with weaving, felting and patchwork.
Soft halva for Nowruz
The official tourism portal of Uzbekistan talks about kholvaytar - a soft type of halva that is prepared for Nowruz. It is served in bowls; denser mass can be cut. This is a useful reminder of the diversity of the word “halva” itself. The familiar dense block of sunflower seeds and the festive soft dessert belong to a large culinary family, but can differ markedly in composition and method of serving.
How to assemble your holiday table
Start with a family dish and people who know how to cook it: ask them to talk about the sequence and presentation accepted at home. It is convenient to choose sweets separately according to taste and composition. If you want to introduce guests to another tradition, name the dish and the region you are talking about. This way, different stories can meet on one table without the promise of representing the entire cuisine of a large country.
The main thing in practice
- The general holiday allows for different regional dishes.
- The seven components are an important topic in nauryz-kozhe, and the specific composition should be checked with the cook.
- The name of halva itself does not describe its texture and ingredients.
Sources
- Nawrouz, Novruz, Nowrouz… — nomination file 02097 — UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
- The competition “Nauryz sani – kozhe” was held in Akmola region — Government portal of Kazakhstan · department of culture of Akmola region
- Favorite oriental delicacy — halva — Uzbekistan Travel · National PR Center