URBANA, Ill. — Music, movement, and the aroma of traditional Kazakh dishes filled the room inside the Levis Faculty Center on March 27 as guests gathered to celebrate Nauryz—a holiday centered on renewal, unity, and togetherness.
Global Education and Training (GET), the Russian, Eastern Europe, and Eurasian Center, and Bolashak Scholars from Kazakhstan organized the celebration, which felt less like a campus event and more like a family gathering.
A magical, cozy—almost nostalgic—atmosphere welcomed guests as they entered the room, making it feel like being at home with family and friends.
Students, faculty, staff, and campus community members sampled traditional Kazakh food while learning about the history and meaning of Nauryz.
They also participated in interactive Kahoot quizzes, watched a symbolic Tusau Kesu ceremony, and joined Bolashak Scholars as they showcased traditional dances.
Shynar Imangaliyeva, GET program coordinator, said in Kazakhstan, Nauryz, and other national holidays, invite relatives, friends, and neighbors of all nationalities to celebrate together, which promotes the spirit of togetherness.
“We have more than 100 nationalities in the country, and we celebrate all holidays, including those of different religions, together,” Imangaliyeva said. “This spirit of togetherness and willingness to share both, in mood and food, is a deep-rooted part of Kazakh culture and history. That’s why everyone who attended felt the warmth of family.”
Nauryz — also pronounced Nowruz in other cultures — is an ancient spring festival celebrated for more than 3,000 years across Central Asia, the Middle East, and parts of the Caucasus.
Rooted in the spring equinox, the holiday predates Islam and Christianity and symbolizes renewal, balance, and the triumph of light over darkness. While traditions vary by region, celebrations across cultures emphasize hospitality, family, and community.
Imangaliyeva said that by highlighting customs such as the dastarkhān feast and the Tusau Kesu, the celebration offered a hands-on experience of Kazakh values and heritage.
“The teamwork of dedicated organizers and Bolashak Scholars made it possible to connect cultural traditions with academic life, showcase Kazakhstan’s heritage, and foster lasting partnerships across higher education institutions,” Imangaliyeva said. “Events like this reflect GET’s ongoing mission to support international exchange, professional development, and inclusive, culturally rich learning environments.”
Robert Marinelli, GET associate director for program implementation, added that while the event was not organized around formal metrics, the strong sense of belonging expressed by attendees reflected its success.
“The welcoming atmosphere and enthusiasm across campus underscored the value of creating meaningful spaces for authentic cultural exchange,” Marinelli said. “Shared experiences like this allow participants to learn through participation—building understanding, empathy, and connection that complement academic learning.”
Looking ahead to next year, Imangaliyeva said she already received offers from various university departments and colleges to organize Nauryz together.
“We expect another group of Bolashak scholars to arrive in May and August, and we hope they will continue this wonderful tradition of contributing Kazakh cultural richness to the multicultural community at Illinois,” Imangaliyeva said.
Analicia Haynes is the storytelling and social media specialist at Illinois International. She can be reached at ahayn2@illinois.edu.