Ramadan begins on July 20
This year, Muslims will be fasting for 30 days. During the fast, drinking, eating or smoking are not allowed from dawn to sunset.
Almaty. July 18. Kazakhstan Today - According to Islam, every Muslim has to observe five practices, one of them being the fast during the holy month of Ramadan. The holy month of Ramadan and fasting this year begins on the night of July 20 and ends on August 18, Kazakhstan Today reports.
Absattar Hajji Derbissali, the Supreme Mufti and Chairman of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Kazakhstan, said today at a press conference in Almaty, that this period is not just about refraining from eating and drinking during the daylight hours. Above all else, every believer should devote themselves to spiritual perfection, practice tolerance, learn to forgive, do good, show compassion and help those in need. According to the rules, everyone should make a special donation. It stands at 100 tenge per person in Almaty. The Eidul-Fitr holiday begins on August 19, marking the end of fasting, Caspionet channel informed.
"This year, Muslims will be fasting for 30 days. During the fast, drinking, eating or smoking are not allowed from dawn to sunset. If a person gets ill, they can stop fasting, but they have to make up for the missed fasting days after recovery. It is very hot these days. People can take showers, but they should make sure that water does not go into the body. However, this only applies to daylight hours, so they live a normal life in the evening after sunset. This ban is temporary - from sunrise to sunset," Absattar Hajji Derbissali, Chairman, Spiritual Board of Muslims of Kazakhstan said.
This year, fasting coincides with the 30th Summer Olympics. Many Kazakh athletes decided to practice fasting after the event, which is not contrary to the canons of Islam.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
relevant news
Aiman Mussakhajayeva Performs in Vienna
Images | gov.kz
A unique concert by the Kazakh State Symphony Orchestra "Qazaq concert" and a solo of the People's Artist of Kazakhstan, outstanding violinist Aiman Mussakhajayeva, who played works of world and Kazakh classical music on the legendary Antonio Stradivari violin, took place in the historic Minorite Church, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Accompanied by a chamber ensemble in one of Austria's most iconic churches, works by Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Almas Serkebayev filled the space with lively emotional power and deep artistic expression. The lyrical and dramatic fragments of Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saëns, and the compositions of Almas Serkebayev revealed the unique mastery of the soloist and the rich timbre of the rare instrument, combining the purity of sound and the special expressiveness of Stradivari's style.
The concert attracted great interest from representatives of the diplomatic corps, the media, business and cultural circles in Austria, as well as members of the Kazakh diaspora living in Vienna.
The audience warmly welcomed each piece, and Vivaldi's final piece received a thunderous and prolonged applause. A.Mussakhajayeva's performance at the Minoritenkirche was a true cultural event, giving the audience an evening of inspiration, high artistry, and authentic musical beauty.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakhstan celebrates Independence Day
Images | Akorda
On December 16, Kazakhstan celebrates Independence Day, one of the country’s main national holidays, Qazinform News Agency reports.
The Law "On the Independence and Sovereignty of the State" was adopted, enshrining the country’s right to pursue independent political, economic, and cultural development.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev extended his congratulations to Kazakhstanis on the occasion of Independence Day of Kazakhstan.
In his congratulatory message, the Kazakh President noted this holiday holds special significance for the Kazakhstani people, who made a voluntary and definitive choice in favor of the country’s sovereign path of development.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also said he is assured that the large-scale reforms currently being implemented will lead the country to success. By consistently following a strategic course of comprehensive modernization, we will build a Just, Strong, Clean, and Safe Kazakhstan, he added.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Melodies of the Great Steppe Resound in the Heart of Kuala Lumpur
Images | gov.kz
The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Malaysia, in cooperation with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, organized a unique fusion concert of Kazakh and Malaysian folk art featuring the Shamshi Kaldayakov Philharmonic of the Turkestan Region and the City Hall Orchestra. The event was held within the framework of cultural and humanitarian cooperation and aimed at promoting Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage abroad, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
The concert program showcased traditional Kazakh dances, as well as musical and vocal performances reflecting the identity, history, and spiritual values of the Kazakh people. In turn, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall Folk Orchestra presented vibrant examples of Malaysian musical art. The high level of professionalism of the performers, colorful national costumes, and a rich program drew great interest and received a warm response from the audience.
Dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Sovereignty of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the concert became a cultural bridge between the two countries, bringing together more than 400 friends of the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Malaysia, including representatives of the Malaysian Government, the diplomatic corps, cultural and public figures, business circles, and the Kazakh diaspora.
The event was honored by the presence of Malaysia’s Minister of Higher Education Zambry Abdul Kadir and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Parliament of Malaysia Johari bin Abdul.
Music speaks a universal language understood by all. Today’s concert demonstrated that through culture we grow closer and lay a solid foundation for further partnership", emphasized the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Malaysia Bulat Sugurbaev.
Guests highly praised the level of organization and noted the importance of such cultural initiatives in strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of Kazakhstan and Malaysia.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
The Film "Kazhymukan" Has Been Presented to the Warsaw Audience
Images | gov.kz
On the occasion of Kazakhstan’s upcoming Independence Day, the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Poland organized a screening of the film "Kazhymukan" by director Kanagat Mustafin in Warsaw, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Participants included representatives of the diplomatic corps, figures from public, political and business circles, as well as members of the Kazakh diaspora and students from Kazakhstan.
In the Embassy’s welcoming remarks, it was noted that Kazakh cinema is becoming an important tool for introducing the Polish audience to Kazakhstan’s history, traditions, and outstanding personalities.
The audience received the film with warmth, appreciating the filmmakers’ artistry as well as the importance of Kazhymukan’s character for shaping Kazakhstan’s national identity.
An informal discussion followed the screening, during which participants reflected on the cultural and biographical background of the character, the contribution of the film’s creators to the international visibility of Kazakh art, and the possibilities for future screenings in Poland.
Many in the audience emphasized the importance of holding such screenings more frequently, noting that they deepen cultural ties, encourage better mutual understanding, and enrich the Polish public’s perception of Kazakhstan.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.
Kazakh Film Days Held in Istanbul
Images | gov.kz
The Kazakh Film Days were successfully held in Istanbul, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan in cooperation with the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Istanbul. The event drew considerable interest from local residents, members of the Kazakh diaspora, and representatives of Istanbul’s official institutions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reports.
Officials from the Istanbul authorities took part in the opening and proceedings of the festival, expressing their support for the initiative aimed at enhancing cultural exchange between Kazakhstan and Türkiye. Their participation underscored the importance of humanitarian cooperation between the two brotherly nations and elevated the significance of the event within the city’s cultural agenda.
The programme featured four key works of Kazakh cinema: the historical drama Qajymuqan, the screen adaptation of the classic literary work My Name is Kozha, the biographical film Amre, and the large-scale historical production Kazakh Khanate: The Golden Throne. The screenings in Kazakh with subtitles offered the Turkish audience a unique opportunity to explore Kazakhstan’s culture and historical narratives more deeply.
Viewers praised the high artistic quality and profound content of the films, which reflect Kazakhstan’s national values, history, and cultural richness. The festival reaffirmed the growing role of Kazakh cinema as an instrument of cultural diplomacy, strengthening mutual understanding and cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Türkiye.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.