Nauryz is a traditional folk spring festival based on the worship of nature, the sun and the universe. Observed in several countries in Asia and the Middle East, it is associated with a love of nature and all living things, a respect for human beings, and the spread of good. In Mongolia, it is one of the most important holidays of the year. Mongolia is home to over 130,000 Kazakh people who form 4% of the national population. On 22 March, the Kazakh people of Mongolia rise early to greet the sunrise of the new year. They light two candles to symbolize happiness and abundance in the new year, fill containers with yogurt, milk or spring water, and cook and eat koje, a traditional Nauryz soup. For the practitioners, Nauryz is a time for settling debts and disputes. The celebrations – which include games, sports competitions, folk music and song and dance performances – promote respect, unity and solidarity, as everybody can participate freely. Nauryz traditions are transmitted from older to younger generations informally, through observation and participation. As a shared living heritage in Asia and the Middle East, the Nauryz festival encourages mutual understanding and friendship between different ethnic communities and can play a determining role in bringing together people of different cultures, countries and nations.