<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40">
<head>
<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=koi8-r">
<meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)">
<!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><![endif]--><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:Helvetica;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Aptos;}
@font-face
{font-family:system-ui;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0in;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:blue;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.EmailStyle20
{mso-style-type:personal-reply;
font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-size:10.0pt;
mso-ligatures:none;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]-->
</head>
<body lang="EN-US" link="blue" vlink="purple" style="word-wrap:break-word">
<div class="WordSection1">
<div>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid #E1E1E1 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0in 0in 0in">
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"> Forum of the Pastoralist Knowledge Hub <pastoralist-hub@dgroups.org>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Gregorio Velasco Gil<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Monday, March 24, 2025 1:04 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> Forum of the Pastoralist Knowledge Hub <pastoralist-hub@dgroups.org><br>
<b>Subject:</b> [EXT] [pastoralist-hub] Happy Nowruz - Celebrating the Spirit of Central Asian Pastoralists and Nomads<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<div class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center;background:white">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica",sans-serif;color:black">
<hr size="2" width="100%" align="center">
</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-GB"><img width="452" height="167" style="width:4.7083in;height:1.743in" id="Picture_x0020_6" src="cid:1ce7a41deee7d9bc46aeb3087f08bd182f016d7927d0e1ef7f450165cd21a314"></span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><i><span lang="EN-GB">Happy Nowruz! As we welcome the spring equinox, we celebrate a time of renewal, unity, and joy. For the pastoralists and nomads of Central Asia, Nowruz carries profound cultural and spiritual
significance, marking not only the arrival of spring but also the promise of abundance and renewal.</span></i><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Kok Boru: A Symbol of Strength and Tradition</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB"> One of the most thrilling traditions during Nowruz is the game of
</span><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Kok Boru/Kokpar</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB">, a traditional horseback competition that exemplifies the skill, strength, and bravery of Central Asian horsemen. Rooted in the nomadic
lifestyle, this exhilarating game brings communities together in a vibrant display of camaraderie and sportsmanship.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-GB"><img width="412" height="452" style="width:4.2916in;height:4.7083in" id="Picture_x0020_5" src="cid:c0ee114fd1969de87916a1e80d4ede73663d9af9996048d3da797c4692eec67e"></span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:7.5pt;color:black">Painter: </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:system-ui;color:black">Erbol Dogdurbek</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Sumalak: A Taste of Togetherness</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB"> Another cherished Nowruz tradition is the preparation of
</span><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Sumalak</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB">, a wheat-based pudding that symbolizes prosperity and resilience. Women gather to cook Sumalak in large cauldrons, stirring the mixture continuously
while singing traditional songs and sharing stories. The communal preparation of this sweet dish reflects the spirit of unity and collective joy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-GB"><img width="453" height="453" style="width:4.7152in;height:4.7152in" id="_x0000_i1030" src="cid:fefe14bf080708b68bf257264601be459583811135cce66dca1b2c1d10eae19e"></span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Juniper Cleansing: Purifying the Spirit and Home</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB"> To welcome the new year, many pastoralist families partake in the ritual of
</span><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">cleaning with juniperus</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB">. The fragrant smoke of burning juniper branches is believed to purify homes and drive away negative energies. This ancient practice
serves as a symbolic gesture of starting anew with hope and positivity.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-GB"><img width="451" height="301" style="width:4.7013in;height:3.1319in" id="Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:0f82643b6b1442d741ee71a6990c216fb5ecd61d75da732d8d230ad4b3eb0f91"></span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">The Melodies of traditional instruments - </span></strong><span lang="EN-GB"> integral part of the Nowruz festivities, and the soulful sound of
</span><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Uzbek Karnais</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB"> often fills the air. This traditional wind instrument, with its haunting and melodic tones, captures the essence of the nomadic spirit.
Performances of traditional songs and dances bring communities together, celebrating the rich cultural heritage passed down through generations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span lang="EN-GB"><img width="452" height="301" style="width:4.7083in;height:3.1319in" id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:74b381e237673798f5905d385c850c2fcf962140fa99beb4c53ee8c029201168"></span><a href="https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/I42cC3YmkgfXEK154sgfGUQqGu9?domain=youtube.com"><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-decoration:none"><img border="0" width="180" height="143" style="width:1.875in;height:1.493in" id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:7ffe04970313d0149fe67ecd5617ccbd19a55a84a722883dc0a326868c8d8140"></span></a><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:7.5pt;color:#444444">Click the image to listen to the music</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">As we celebrate </span><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP) soon</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB">, it is also an opportunity to honor the
</span><strong><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family:"Aptos",sans-serif">Nowruz</span></strong><span lang="EN-GB">. This designation highlights the vital contributions of pastoralists in maintaining ecological balance and preserving cultural heritage. Their
sustainable practices ensure the health of rangelands, benefiting both people and the environment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">May this Nowruz bring you joy, prosperity, and renewed energy. Let us cherish the traditions that unite us and celebrate the resilience and strength of pastoralist communities.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Navruz Mubarak!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB">Warm regards,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB">Central Asia Pastoralist Alliance<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div style="border:none;border-top:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;margin-top:12.0pt" id="cc-standard-footer">
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><img border="0" width="1" height="1" style="width:.0138in;height:.0138in" id="_x0000_i1026" src="https://dgroups.org/__e/tp/aca3d052-57e6-4e81-a1bd-bdb1e6618575/footer.gif" alt="Footer"></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:10.0pt">You are receiving this message because you are a member of the community
<a href="https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/JS2JC5AomkfMD9mVltyi0UkW--y?domain=dgroups.org">
Forum of the Pastoralist Knowledge Hub</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:10.0pt"><a href="https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/cJCTC6YpnlfPBm2nWc5sLU5dAVV?domain=dgroups.org">View this contribution on the web site</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:10.0pt">A reply to this message will be sent to all members of Forum of the Pastoralist Knowledge Hub.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p id="unsub-reply-links"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:10.0pt"><a href="mailto:pastoralist-hub@dgroups.org">Reply to all community members</a> |
<a href="mailto:leave.pastoralist-hub@dgroups.org">Unsubscribe</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
</div>
</body>
</html>