Turkmenistan celebrates the national spring holiday - Novruz (New Year by oriental calendar) on March 21-22. Various festive concerts, theatrical performances, art exhibitions and soirees are held in Turkmenistan on these days. In accordance with customs, the traditional Turkmen meal Semene, made of wheat sprouts, is served as the main course at every festive dinner in Turkmenistan.

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov has congratulated Turkmen citizens on the national holiday. As the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports from Ashgabat, the text of the Turkmen president's message was published in all central mass media outlets of Turkmenistan. "For many centuries, Novruz has taken an important place in the spiritual life of the Turkmen people. That is why, it has taken on new significance and meaning in the era of large-scale reforms. Indeed, our ancestors who perceived Novruz as bringing renewal and new life regarded it as an embodiment of happiness and wellbeing," the message says The head of state wished many happy days and well being to the people of Turkmenistan.

It should be recalled that until recently the national spring holiday was marked on March 20-22. One of the three days was dedicated to women of Turkmenistan. Under the decree signed by the Turkmen president in January 2008, Turkmenistan marks the International Women's Day on March 8, and Novruz is celebrated for two days, declared days off, starting from this year.