With the arrival of December, the lights of anticipation begin to glow in every home. For some, the New Year is a lively family dinner, while for others, it is a time to make a wish as the clock strikes midnight. But how do Tatars, whose lifestyle has been shaped over centuries by Islam and ancient Turkic traditions, celebrate this holiday?

Where Did the Holiday Come From?

In Tatarstan, New Year’s celebrations are a blend of ancient rituals, Soviet heritage, and modern trends. The holiday combines elements of the ancient Nardugan festival, warm family gatherings inspired by Muslim traditions, and even the appearance of their own version of Father Frost — Kish-Babay.

The New Year as we know it today became part of Tatar culture relatively recently. Until the late 19th century, Tatars followed the lunar calendar, and they did not have holidays corresponding to the start of the new year. The main religious holidays were Uraza-Bayram and Kurban-Bayram.

The secular version of the New Year began to enter Tatar society in the early 20th century, largely due to the influence of the intelligentsia. The great Tatar poet Gabdulla Tukay, often referred to as the “Tatar Pushkin,” introduced the image of Ak Babay — an old man who brings gifts to children in winter. This character became the prototype for the Tatar version of Father Frost, or Kish-Babay.

In 1913, Kazan hosted its first “New Year’s Tree” for children. It was tied to Mawlid (the birth of the Prophet Muhammad), but outwardly resembled Christmas traditions. Later, the Soviet government promoted the New Year as a nationwide holiday to unite society.
Before the arrival of the European calendar, Tatars had their own winter celebrations. One of them was Nardugan (the solstice festival). On this day, there were public festivities, dances, feasts, and children went door-to-door collecting gifts.

Another important holiday was Navruz, celebrated at the end of March. Although it is considered a spring festival, in Tatar culture, it is often seen as a symbol of the new year. This holiday is still celebrated as actively today as any other.

Modern Traditions

For Tatars, the New Year is primarily a family holiday. In the evening, relatives gather around a large table, and closer to midnight, people go out to visit neighbors or sometimes organize small community celebrations.

The Tatar New Year’s table is filled with national dishes. The main decorations are chak-chak (fried dough with honey), gubadiya (a layered meat pie), and echpochmak (a Tatar pastry filled with meat, potatoes, and onions). Hosts also prepare baursak (fried dough), meat pies, and homemade sweets.

Alcohol is rarely found on the Tatar New Year’s table. Islam prohibits the consumption of alcohol, and more families are making an effort to adhere to this prohibition. Recently, non-alcoholic celebrations have become the norm for many Tatars.

Islam and the New Year

Many Muslim Tatars view the New Year through the lens of their faith. Islam prescribes only two main holidays: Uraza-Bayram (the end of Ramadan) and Kurban-Bayram (the Day of Sacrifice).

However, most Muslim families see no contradiction in celebrating secular festivities as long as they do not violate religious principles. New Year celebrations take place without alcohol, focusing on communication, good wishes, and unity.

“If people want to celebrate, let them enjoy,” say some religious leaders. The New Year holds no sacred significance for Muslim Tatars, but it has become an opportunity to reunite with family, remember traditions, and simply spend time with loved ones. Moreover, many are guided by the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad, which states, “Indeed, deeds are judged by intentions. And every person will be rewarded according to their intention.”

The New Year in Tatar culture is an example of how different traditions can coexist harmoniously, preserving the uniqueness of each people. For some, it remains a secular celebration; for others, it is a reason to reflect on roots and national customs.

The most important thing is that the holiday brings joy and unites people, rather than becoming a point of contention.

Source: kazan.aif.ru