Nowruz, Mehrgon, Sada, and Tirgon are considered ancient festivals of the Tajik people and other Iranian-speaking nations and represent some of the most valuable elements of their intangible cultural heritage. These festivals reflect the worldview of ancestors, the relationship between humans and nature, as well as the moral and social values of society, and they have a history spanning thousands of years.
During the period of national independence, the issue of international recognition of these festivals gained special importance. The Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, has made a significant contribution to the revival and development of these ancient celebrations, including the Sada festival. With the achievement of independence, the Republic of Tajikistan directed its cultural policy toward the revival of national values, resulting in the reintegration of Sada, Nowruz, Mehrgon, and Tirgon into the cultural life of society, where they are now celebrated at the state level as national holidays.
In official messages and speeches of the Head of State, it is emphasized that Sada is a festival of labor, nature, and the bond between humans and the environment.
The Sada festival is one of the oldest celebrations of Iranian-speaking peoples, with roots tracing back to the ancient Aryan civilization. As a symbol of light, warmth, hard work, and hope for the future, this festival has been preserved for centuries as an important part of the spiritual culture of the people and has gained renewed significance during the years of independence. Although during the Soviet period it lost much of its originality and appeal, with the restoration of independence it was revived once again, bringing joy to the Tajik people.
During the years of independence, the Republic of Tajikistan has made a valuable contribution to the international recognition of national festivals such as Nowruz, Sada, Mehrgon, and Tirgon through its cultural initiatives. The Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, has repeatedly emphasized that ancient festivals are symbols of authenticity, national identity, and the common heritage of humanity. Indeed, Sada, Nowruz, Mehrgon, and Tirgon, which have now gained international status, embody humanistic ideals, respect for nature and the environment, and the traditions of statehood of our ancestors, forming the foundation of the national identity and self-awareness of the Tajik people.
In modern times, the celebration of Sada has been revived with new content and forms. Cultural events, exhibitions of traditional crafts, literary and theatrical programs, and scientific conferences have become established traditions. This process contributes to the preservation of national customs and to the education of youth in the spirit of self-awareness and national pride.
The revival of the Sada festival during the period of independence holds great social and educational significance. This celebration encourages respect for nature, appreciation of human labor, and the preservation of cultural heritage. It also serves as a factor in strengthening national unity and intergenerational continuity.
According to ancient ancestral traditions, Sada falls in the middle of winter and is celebrated on the fiftieth day after the night of Yalda in the ancient calendar, meaning that one hundred days remain until Nowruz. The festival was marked by lighting fires, honoring the power of warmth, and conducting folk rituals. In ancestral culture, fire symbolized purity, light, warmth, and life, representing the victory of warmth over cold and light over darkness. References to Sada in classical literature, especially in the immortal Shahnameh by Abulqasim Ferdowsi, testify to the high status of this festival in the history of Persian-Tajik culture.
The word “Sada” derives from the number 100 and was traditionally celebrated annually on the 10th day of the month of Bahman in the Solar Hijri calendar, corresponding to January 30 in the Gregorian calendar.
In general, the revival of the Sada festival during the period of state independence of the Republic of Tajikistan reflects the culture-oriented policy of the state and nation and their respect for the ancient history of their ancestors. Today, Sada is not only a traditional celebration but also a symbol of national self-awareness, unity, and the continuity of noble ancestral traditions. The preservation and promotion of such festivals are essential for sustaining national culture and fostering the spiritual development of the younger generation. At the initiative of the Founder of Peace and National Unity — Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon, Sada is officially celebrated in our culturally rich country every year on January 30. The Republic of Tajikistan is the only country where the ancient festivals of Nowruz, Mehrgon, and Sada are officially celebrated on designated dates, which is a source of pride and honor for the Tajik people.
Azimov Kholiknazar,
Deputy Director for Science and Innovation,
Technical College of TTU named after Academician M. Osimi,
Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor
