NUR-SULTAN – The spectacular Kymyzmuryndyk-2022 regional folk festival dedicated to a revered ancient holiday celebrating kumys, fermented mare’s milk, took place in Talas district of Zhambyl Region on May 14, the region’s akimat (city administration) reported.
Guests of the festival represented by young people and elderly persons are tasting kumys after the first milking of the mare. Photo credit: Zhambyl Region akimat (city administration). Click to see the map in full size
According to Greek historian Herodotus, Scythians, ancient tribes of nomadic warriors who originally lived in what is now modern-day Kazakhstan, have kept secret the technology of cooking kumys for centuries as it was their favorite drink. It is famous not only for its taste but for curative properties as well: Kazakh people used it to treat tuberculosis, which was widespread in those times.
Kumys was traditionally handed out to neighbors and guests after the first milking, while people were dancing, singing, and playing national games. Earlier in 2018, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) included the rite on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity.
Nowadays, grandmothers greet festival guests with baursaks (puffy fried bread) and kumys.
During the event, some artists performed national songs, while approximately 100 elderly persons who came from the region’s various districts and Taraz city participated in such traditional Kazakh rites as Auyz Tiu, which means “to taste” in Kazakh, and Biebailar, a ritual in which guests are fed after the first milking of the mare.
Grandmothers wearing traditional clothing greet participants of the festival. Photo credit: Zhambyl Region akimat (city administration)
Some women stir kumys in special wooden dish before offering it to guests. Photo credit: Zhambyl Region akimat (city administration)
Following the tradition, people sing national songs. Photo credit: Zhambyl Region akimat (city administration)
The landscape of Zhambyl Region, where festival took place. Photo credit: Zhambyl Region akimat (city administration)
