Central Asian diplomatic missions, including that of Kazakhstan, headquartered in New Delhi gathered at a venue to celebrate the festival of Nauryz with traditional fervor and gaiety over the weekend.

Nauryz is a time when people reconcile, forgive one another and unite. It is a period when people project a festive and happy mood, choose to forget their sorrows and disagreements. It is a period of forgiveness and rejoicing.

Nauryz revives common traditions of friendship and inter-ethnic harmony. Cultural programs and food festivals are held as part of the festivities.

On Saturday evening, the Embassy of Kazakhstan hosted a Nauryz evening at a posh Westend Greens farm.

Addressing the gathering, the Charge D' Affaire of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in India, Kairat Akhmetalim, spoke of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev's strong belief in social and religious harmony, promotion of inter-faith dialogue and peace and accord between peoples and countries.

A reference was also made to Mahatma Gandhi's promotion of similar ideals. He said that President Nazarbayev was taking all steps to ensure national and linguistic unity in Kazakhstan.

The President said recently that national unity of Kazakhstan is "the foundation on which rests and develops our statehood."

He adding that till now, it has stood the test of time wonderfully in spite of the global financial crisis.

Mr. Akhmetalim said that a key element of unity in Kazakh society was the care taken to maintain the authenticity of the Kazakh language and culture. Simultaneously, efforts were on to ensure the prosperity of each culture existent in the country. (ANI)