Residents in Astana celebrate Capital Day with a Dombyra Festival
In the heart of Astana, Kazakhstan, the Dombyra Party took place on Nurly Zhol Boulevard, offering a vibrant community gathering under the summer sky. This open-air musical celebration, dedicated to the 180th anniversary of Abai Kunanbayev, a revered Kazakh poet and national symbol, served as a tribute to Kazakh cultural heritage.
Organised by the Language and Archives Development Department of Astana city and the Eysil district akimat, in collaboration with blogger Almas Altay who has been actively developing the poetry direction of the Dombyra Party, the event attracted musicians, cultural institutions, and thousands of schoolchildren across the city.
The Dombyra Party was a unique occasion to immerse oneself in Kazakh musical art, with the traditional dombyra instrument being the only musical instrument used. The programme included a large public performance, accompanied by various cultural activities such as photo exhibitions, literary events, round-table discussions, and expressive reading contests focused on Abai’s contributions to Kazakh literature and philosophy.
The event honoured Kazakh national identity and preserved traditional music, while promoting Abai’s philosophical and literary legacy. The performances of Abai’s best-known songs on the dombyra connected contemporary audiences with Kazakhstan’s rich folk traditions and the enduring wisdom of one of its greatest thinkers.
The Dombyra Party concluded to rapturous applause, marking the end of a successful cultural event that aimed to strengthen national identity, awaken interest in traditional culture among youth, and support intergenerational continuity. Participants were invited to recite patriotic-themed poems about Kazakhstan, the motherland, language, and Astana, expressing themselves uniquely, with some performing modern hits with a dombra twist and others singing traditional folk songs.
Kuralai Slyambekova, advisor to the Eysil district akim, stated that the Dombyra Party has become an open cultural space that plays a crucial role in shaping national consciousness and respect for culture. The saying "the dombra is the soul of the Kazakh people" resonated particularly vibrantly during the Dombyra Party.
First held last August on Abai Day, the Dombyra Party continues to serve as a focal point in broader national efforts during these commemorations, which include flower-laying ceremonies, exhibitions, and concerts dedicated to Abai’s work. The event is a testament to the importance of preserving and promoting Kazakhstan’s traditional music and fostering national pride.
- Amidst the vibrant cultural activities at the Dombyra Party, the home-and-garden section showcased traditional Kazakh lifestyle, offering a glimpse into the rich history of the people.
- As the evening entertainment came to a close, the Dombyra Party transitioned into a music-filled after-party, with performances ranging from contemporary hits with a dombra twist to traditional folk songs, reinforcing the festive atmosphere and solidifying the event as a proud symbol of Kazakh musical art and national identity.
