Day of Spiritual Harmony in Astana.

On October 16, 2024, traditional events dedicated to the Day of Spiritual Harmony were held in Astana.

The event, organized by the Astana Department of Religious Affairs, the International Association “Peace Through Culture,” and the Center for the Study of Religions, took place at the State Opera and Ballet Theatre “Astana Opera.”

The gathering was attended by Deputy Akim of the city, Eset Bayken, Chairman of the Committee for Religious Affairs Yerzhan Nukenjanov, public figure and initiator of the Day of Spiritual Harmony Tolegen Mukhamedzhanov, and, via online connection, representatives of religious associations and guests from the United States, Lebanon, Germany, and Russia, including: President of the Institute for Global Security (USA) Jonathan Granoff, Chair of the General Council of the Assembly of Eurasian Peoples Svetlana Konstantinovna Smirnova (Russia), writer, professor, and President of the Open University “Dialogue of Civilizations,” Doctor of Philosophy, Academician of the Russian Academy of Education and the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, Suheil Naeem Farah (Russia, Lebanon), among others.

“The Day of Spiritual Harmony is not merely a date on the calendar. It serves as a reminder that spirituality should always be a priority in our society. Harmony among people of various faiths, cultures, and nations is the foundation of stability and peaceful coexistence,” emphasized Tolegen Mukhamedzhanov, President of the International Association “Peace Through Culture.”

Speaking to the participants, Eset Bayken highlighted the importance of fostering interfaith harmony for Kazakhstan’s stability and national security. He added that over 60 events were held throughout the year in the capital in cooperation with religious associations, and that a Council for Relations with Religious Organizations is actively working to strengthen interfaith cooperation.

The event concluded with a festive concert, “A Word on Spiritual Harmony,” held in the Grand Hall of the “Astana Opera.” The musical evening featured soloists from “Astana Opera,” artists from the symphony orchestra of the Y. Rakhmadiev State Academic Philharmonic of Astana, under the direction of Honored Artist of Kazakhstan Abzal Mukhitdin.

The concert opened with a performance of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s symphonic suite “Scheherazade” — a work imbued with the spirit of Eastern fantasy and exoticism. The program also included compositions by the celebrated composer and public figure Tolegen Mukhamedzhanov, who proposed the idea of the Day of Spiritual Harmony. His works “Tugan Zher” and “Adagio,” filled with profound philosophy and lyricism, touch upon vital themes of spirituality and patriotism, reminding one of humanity’s indelible connection to their homeland and spiritual roots.

It is important to note that the Day of Spiritual Harmony, established in 1992, symbolizes harmony and promotes the supremacy of spiritual values above all other aspects of human life. This holiday serves as an annual reminder of the need for respect, mutual understanding, and cooperation among different cultures and religious confessions.

In an era of global challenges, the ideas of peace, unity, and harmony have become particularly relevant. The event “A Word on Spiritual Harmony” in 2024 became a public and cultural dialogue, uniting participants from various confessions and representatives of the arts.