Navruz Celebration in Kyiv

 

On April 17, 2026, the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in Ukraine, together with the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and the Civil Diplomacy Foundation, held a gala celebration of Navruz in central Kyiv.

This grand event, entitled "Navruz - a Symbol of Peace, Friendship, and Mutual Respect," took place in the assembly hall of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

The event was attended by senior representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries and agencies, ambassadors and diplomats of foreign countries, heads of international and regional organizations based in Kyiv, rectors and professors of universities and higher education institutions, scientists and cultural figures, as well as compatriots living in Kyiv and the Kyiv region.

Before the official opening ceremony and concert program, an exhibition of Tajik and Ukrainian national costumes, as well as photographs and paintings of Tajik women in national costumes, was presented.

The exhibition also featured illustrations of Ukrainian women's national costumes from the archives of renowned designer Kateryna Potlova, books on the history of the Tajik people, and tourism promotional materials.

Visitors enjoyed examining examples of folk crafts, such as the "Haft Sin" and "Haft Shin" festive table, heritage corners, and musical instruments.

At the opening ceremony, Tajikistan's Ambassador to Ukraine Mr. Davlatali Nazrizoda, congratulated everyone and spoke about the history of Navruz, international initiatives, and the achievements of the Republic of Tajikistan, including the globalization of Navruz.

The head of the diplomatic mission noted that Navruz is one of the most ancient holidays of our ancestors, and thanks to state independence and the direct efforts of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Mr. Emomali Rahmon, it has become a comprehensive holiday designed to pay tribute to the culture of our ancestors, national values, and to strengthen the ideas of patriotism, self-knowledge, and self-awareness. He noted that, at the initiative of the head of state, an International Navruz Center will be opened in Dushanbe.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mr. Oleksandr Mishenko also congratulated those present on Navruz, noting that Ukraine attaches particular importance to developing relations with the countries of the Central Asian region, including the Republic of Tajikistan.

He noted that "our countries will continue to maintain relations of mutual respect, constructive and mutually beneficial dialogue to further strengthen cooperation."

An exhibition of Tajik and Ukrainian folk embroidery—"Chakan" and "Vyshyvanka"—demonstrates the numerous cultural similarities between the two friendly nations.

Mr. Volodymyr Bugrov, Rector of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, also congratulated those present and noted that holding such a wonderful holiday with the symbolic name "Navruz - a symbol of peace, friendship, and mutual respect" at Ukraine's largest historical university will contribute to the development of international relations, strengthening friendly ties, and cultural exchange between peoples.

In his congratulatory speech, Mr. Fedir Lavrinenko, Chairman of the Civil Diplomacy Foundation, spoke about the Foundation's cooperation with countries in the Navruz basin, particularly with Central Asian countries.

As part of the cultural program, a Ukrainian-language documentary film, "Navruz - a symbol of peace, friendship, and mutual respect," was shown, telling the story of the Navruz.

Joint concert program, featuring national songs, melodies, and dances from both countries, performed in Tajik and Ukrainia

national costumes, was a true delight for all participants. Ukrainian young men and women studying at music schools and institutes, memorizing Tajik national songs and dances and performing them in Tajik national holiday costumes, created a real sensation.

Students from the Faculty of Oriental Studies at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv recited poems from classical Tajik poetry dedicated to Navruz in both Tajik and Ukrainian.

At the end of the meeting, the participants continued to socialize over festive tables featuring traditional Tajik and Ukrainian dishes.

 

Press service of the Embassy

of the Republic of Tajikistan in Ukraine.