Holidays in Turkmenistan

• 2024
• 2025

Although New Year in Turkmenistan was traditionally observed on March 21, it has also been celebrated in the country on January 1st since Soviet times. Preparations for the holiday begin well in advance: the main city squares are beautifully decorated, and Ashgabat in particular sparkles under a cloak of colorful, festive décor. Seasonal carnivals offering an array of activities and holiday gifts are organized in the cities, and some of the most jubilant festivals in Turkmenistan are held this time of year. Read more...

International Women's Day in Turkmenistan was first introduced to the country in Soviet times. The holiday was abolished after the country gained independence, only to be reinstated in 2008. Regardless of their age, all women in the country are congratulated by their loved ones and are gifted by the Turkmen government with an incentive of around 60 manat (about 10-11 USD). This unique gesture ensures that no woman is excluded from the celebration while emphasizing the society’s respect for women and their role in preserving traditional family values. Read more...

Navruz (also spelled Nauryz or Nowruz) is a national holiday which lasts for two days in Turkmenistan. Although typically celebrated with family around a lavishly laid table, it is also common for neighbors and relatives to visit one another and to exchange sweet treats and national dishes. Navruz traditionally marks the beginning of the agricultural season, and thus it is customary to serve national dishes made from wheat, including baked goods, halva and wheat porridge. The main dish eaten during Navruz in Turkmenistan is the rich and filling semene, made from boiled wheat germ. Read more...

Turkmenistan Constitution and State Flag Day has been observed on May 18 since 2018. Although the two holidays were celebrated on separate dates for some years, in October 2017 the government decided to combine them. After a flower-laying ceremony in Ashgabat, a delegation proceeds to the main square, where the state flag is raised on a 133-meter-high flagpole. Throughout the country, theatrical performances and concerts are held for the patriotic holiday. Read more...

Oraza Bayram is an Islamic holiday celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The Turkmen people have inherited a history fraught with tragedy and hardship, which is perhaps why there is a special respect for Oraza Bayram in Turkmenistan. Preparations begin well in advance and are carried out with great solemnity. When the day arrives, festive sachaks (tables) are laid with an abundance of national dishes. Before feasting, a prayer of gratitude is read and wishes for the well-being and prosperity of all people are voiced. Read more...

Kurban Bayram, better known as Eid al-Adha, is an Islamic holiday which has been celebrated in Turkmenistan since 1994. The most significant holiday of Islam, Eid al-Adha is an expression of friendship and solidarity which aims to instill faith, morality and a respect for social foundations in people. On Eid al-Adha in Turkmenistan, festive dishes are prepared and shared with relatives, neighbors and friends as they congratulate each other. Additionally, people aim to do good deeds, care for their loved ones and donate to charities during this season. Read more...

Independence Day is the most significant state holiday in Turkmenistan, for it recalls the events of 1991 which led to the Turkmens SSR gaining independence from the Soviet Union that same year. The day is widely celebrated throughout the country, with the central event being a grandiose military parade which takes place on the central square of Ashgabat. Read more...

Every year on October 6, Turkmenistan observes a day of mourning for the countless Turkmen people who died in the terrible earthquake of 1948. According to UNESCO, this earthquake was one of the most destructive natural disasters of the 20th century. On Memorial Day in Turkmenistan, the entire population mourns. National flags are lowered, entertainment events are canceled and a wreath-laying ceremony is held at the Khalk Khakydasy (People's Memorial) Complex in Ashgabat. Read more...

Neutrality Day in Turkmenistan is the second most important national holiday in the country, trailing only Independence Day. On December 12, 1995, a rare UN General Assembly resolution was adopted in support of the proclamation of the neutrality of Turkmenistan as a means of ensuring regional security and peace. Every year, the holiday is celebrated with great fanfare through concerts and mass cultural events. A special wreath-laying ceremony is held at the Monument of Neutrality, which the President himself attends. Read more...