Azerbaijani President and his spouse attend nationwide festivities on occasion of Novruz Holiday - PHOTOS

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva  attended Novruz festivities in the capital, Baku. Azerbaijani Leader and his spouse were warmly welcomed near the Maiden Tower by thousands of people who gathered here for the celebrations.

The President delivered a speech at the event.

Then, the President of Azerbaijan and the First Lady arrived at the National Park. Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva were welcomed by traditional characters of the Novruz Holiday - Kosa and Kachal (Bald). Kosa and Kachal held an egg cracking competition with the President.

Arts masters, folk singers, ashugs, amateur artistic groups, athletes, rope-dancers showcased the customs and traditions of our people and ancient handicrafts.

President and the First Lady also viewed an exhibition, organized as part of the holiday festivities, which featured products, cultivated on the productive Azerbaijani soil. The President and the First Lady were presented gifts. Aliyev once again conveyed his best wishes for Novruz to the Baku residents and the guests of the capital, who came to meet him and take a city stroll.

Prime Minister Artur Rasizade, Chairman of the Milli Majlis Oktay Asadov, Head of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev and other officials were among those attending the Novruz festivities.

Novruz is widely celebrated in Azerbaijan, as the symbol of winter's leaving and spring's coming. Novruz is celebrated on the first day of Spring. The first day of spring on the calendar is determined by the annual circling of the sun. According to the scientists the holiday has ancient history. Scientific researches relate the Novruz holiday with the period of the prophet Zardush that dates 3500-5000 years back.

/AzerTAc, Trend/

Click photos to enlarge: