Overview of Turkmenistan

Officially name: Turkmenistan

Capital: Ashgabat

Largest city: Ashgabat

Official language: Turkmen

Government: Presidential republic Single-party state

Nowruz Bayram in Turkmenistan

Held on March 21, this festival takes place on the spring equinox. It is a public holiday in Turkmenistan and the first day in the new year of the Iranian calendar; for this reason, it is sometimes referred to as Persian New Year. The festival is a celebration of the new and what is to come of the year ahead, while reflecting on the old is also part of the day. Typical meals are cooked and shared with families. Later, communities get together for street carnivals.