Central Asian Awareness Day and Navruz at UW April 19

The University of Wyoming’s Central Asian Student Association (CASA) will celebrate its annual Central Asian Awareness Day and Navruz from 6-10 p.m. Friday, April 19, in the Wyoming Union Ballroom.

Although the event is free and open to the public, tickets are required. Tickets will be distributed Tuesday and Wednesday, April 16-17, at 12:30 p.m. at the Wyoming Union information desk.

Navruz is one of the most treasured holidays in Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan), Iran and Azerbaijan, says CASA adviser Dilnoza Khasilova, assessment specialist in UW’s Ellbogen Center for Teaching and Learning.

“Sometimes known as New Year, Navruz is a chance to celebrate nature, to welcome a new year and to enjoy flavorful food with friends, neighbors and family,” Khasilova says. “Navruz is celebrated on the spring equinox, which is usually March 21. The holiday is celebrated across Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia, all the way to the Black Sea and the Balkans.”

The celebration will feature Laurel Victoria Gray, an award-winning dance scholar and Fulbright international dance scholar; Silk Road Dance Company; and Zamira Salim, a folk dancer from Uzbekistan.

CASA, established in October 2011 as a recognized student organization at UW, was formed to create and promote a better understanding of Central Asia and its rich culture and history among students, faculty and the local community through involvement, as well as participation in various social and cultural activities.

The student organization has been recognized multiple times for the best event and top country display during International Education Week at UW. The group’s table was voted the best cultural display by the organizers of the event. This year, CASA raised funds to support the UW International Students and Scholars office’s food pantry and Karma projects.

CASA has presented many cultural events on campus and in the community, Khasilova says.

“By showing Central Asian heritage, our students develop close relationships and deepened intercultural understanding,” she adds. “It is exciting that we have local and other international students who are interested in this region and its culture and traditions.”

For more information about Central Asian Awareness Day and Navruz, visit CASA’s Facebook page.