Celebrating Nowruz at HSE University–St Petersburg: Spring Festival Unites Cultures
On March 20, HSE University–St Petersburg hosted a vibrant event dedicated to the ancient Eastern holiday of Nowruz. Uniting the traditions of many peoples, this holiday symbolises the start of the new year and the renewal of nature.
The event started with a welcoming speech by Olga Gaidova, Director of the International Student and Alumni Centre. She addressed the festival guests and participants: ‘Nowruz, which marks the victory of light over darkness and the beginning of a new life, serves as an excellent opportunity to spend this day in harmony and accord and to strengthen friendly ties.’
The celebration brought together students from Iran, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan. They shared local Nowruz traditions, key holiday customs, and cultural features of their countries with the participants.
Seyyedekhtiam Atkharibaladezai, from Iran
2nd-year student of the Bachelor’s programme ‘Political Science and World Politics’
For me, Nowruz has always been about home, family, togetherness, and a deep sense of nostalgia. It is definitely the most important holiday in Iran. During this time, we welcome not only the arrival of spring, but also a feeling of hope, rebirth, and the beginning of a new chapter in life.
I was really upset that I couldn’t celebrate it with my family after moving to Russia, because it is very important for Iranians. However, I am very happy and grateful that the university has provided the opportunity for me to show our beautiful and ancient Persian culture and traditions to others and also celebrate together and feel a sense of home.
Aliia Toktaalyevna Bapanova, from Kyrgyzstan
Exchange student from Kyrgyz National University named after Zhusup Balasagyn
I am very grateful to HSE University–St Petersburg for this event. It’s so well organised! The International office staff have always helped and supported us in everything. We met other students, congratulated each other on the holiday, and tried the cuisine of other countries. This makes exchange students feel like they are at home and enjoy the festive atmosphere. It was a great honour for us. We are proud to speak on behalf of our university and our country. We were glad to show you our culture and traditions.
Diyora Sharofiddin qizi Sotkulovan, from Uzbekistan
Exchange student from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy
As an exchange student from Uzbekistan, I was truly impressed by the international atmosphere at HSE University–St Petersburg. Representatives of each country were given the opportunity to showcase their culture and traditional performances.
I especially felt the sense of unity among different nations that Nowruz brings. Traditional celebrations like Nowruz unite people and strengthen relationships between different cultures. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the organisers, especially to Ivana Angjelovska and the International Office, for their hard work in making this event possible. Their support before and after the presentation meant a lot to me.
Syed Muhammad Salman Haider Shamsi, from Pakistan
2nd-year student of the Master’s programme ‘International Business in the Asia-Pacific Region’
Attending the Nowruz event at HSE University–St Petersburg was a truly joyful and memorable experience for me. I learned so much about how different countries celebrate this holiday, each with their own rich culture, beautiful traditions, and deep history.
It was an honour for me to engage in such a meaningful celebration and feel part of the big international HSE family. I sincerely thank the International Student and Alumni Centre for their wonderful initiative to create such a positive and united atmosphere.
Following the festive programme, guests and participants had the opportunity to taste traditional treats prepared especially for the holiday. The day finished with fun national games and dances that everyone could join.
The event served not only as a celebration of spring but also as a platform for cultural exchange, enabling students of diverse nationalities to acquaint themselves with one another, share their traditions, and foster enduring friendships.
