Bustling Novruz festival atmosphere in Hanoi

The event was organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan and the Embassy of Kazakhstan in coordination with the Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The event was attended by Azerbaijani Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Shovgi Kamal Oglu Mehdizade, Kazakhstani Ambassador to Vietnam, Mr. Kanat Tumysh, along with representatives of Vietnamese agencies, foreign representative agencies in Vietnam and international organizations, and close friends of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Novruz marks the new year according to the Persian calendar, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings. Like Vietnamese Tet, Novruz emphasizes reunion and good luck, but has its own unique features with the ritual of jumping over fire and the traditional Khoncha tray. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Trinh Thi Thu Ha, Principal of Hanoi College of Commerce and Tourism, emphasized that the Novruz Bayram Festival is an opportunity for everyone to welcome a new spring with rich cultural values, reflecting the identity of each nation. The festival brings a unique cultural space, helping students and visitors better understand the customs and practices of Azerbaijan through many traditional experiential activities. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Egg-cracking is a traditional activity during the Novruz Festival. The winner is the person with the most intact egg, with at least one side uncracked. According to belief, this person will have good luck throughout the year. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Delegates perform a fire lighting ceremony, a symbol of new beginnings and unity, at the Novruz Festival. Traditionally, participants take turns jumping over the fire, performing a purification ritual to ward off bad luck and welcome the new year with hope and luck. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Chef Don David (third from left) and Chef Adriana Alacki (second from right) guide students through the preparation of salads during the culinary exchange. They are two of five world-renowned chefs preparing dishes for this year’s event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Azerbaijan's traditional Khoncha tray, consisting of seven dishes symbolizing spring and fertility, featuring wheat grass (Semeni), pakhlava, shekerbura and nuts. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Ms. Adrijiana Alacki performed the song "Azerbaijani Girls", bringing a deep melody and honoring the beauty of Azerbaijani girls. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

The Novruz festival atmosphere is filled with joy and togetherness. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Pakistani Ambassador to Vietnam Kodahyar Mari commented that Novruz is not only a festival but also has a long-standing historical value, having existed for thousands of years. He said that Novruz is still celebrated in Pakistan, albeit on a smaller scale, as an occasion to connect families and friends. At the same time, he expressed his joy that this festival is held in Vietnam, a country rich in cultural traditions. Ambassador Mari highly appreciated the importance of introducing international cultures and traditions into local cultural life, contributing to promoting understanding and connection between countries. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)