A colourful open-air celebration of the Sinhala, Tamil and Nepali New Year united students of the Belarusian State Medical University

 On 14 April in the Republic of Belarus, in the city of Minsk, the territory adjacent to the Belarusian State Medical University was filled with an atmosphere of joy and cultural diversity. On this spring day, students who came to Belarus from Sri Lanka, India and Nepal celebrated one of the most significant holidays of their calendar - the Sinhala and Tamil New Year and the Nepali New Year - with a colourful open-air celebration. This memorable event was organised by Milemir, a company known for its support of international cultural initiatives, a close-knit of Sri Lanka Students Union and the International study center (ISC).

The festive ground became the centre of attraction for the distinguished guests who came to share the joy of this important event while enjoying the fresh spring air. Among them were Vice-Rector for International Relations of BSMU, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Vasily Vasilyevich Rudenok, whose presence emphasised the importance of international cooperation and support of international students within the walls of the University, and on this day - and beyond. Also honouring the event was Doctor Rama Sah, Director of Milemir and Vice-Chairman of the International Graduates Association, whose organisation made a significant contribution to the outdoor celebration. Director of ‘International Graduates Association’ Maevskaya Alla Danilovna . Olga Vladimirovna Zolotova, Deputy Dean of the Medical Faculty of Foreign Students, and Elena Anatolievna Devina, Deputy Dean for Ideological and Educational Work, also joined in the congratulations, expressing their support and admiration for the cultural traditions of the students in this unusual setting.

The official part of the celebration, held right under the spring sun, became a moment of warm greetings and sincere wishes. The guests of honour addressed the students with inspiring speeches, stressing the importance of maintaining cultural identity away from home and wishing them success in their studies and personal lives in the New Year. Their open-air words were even more heartfelt for the young people away from home.

The evening culminated with an enchanting concert programme that unfolded on an improvised street stage. Talented students from Sri Lanka, India and Nepal in colourful national costumes presented mesmerising rhythms of traditional music and graceful dance moves, which looked especially effective against the backdrop of the spring landscape. Each performance, filled with deep meaning, reflected the rich history and identity of the cultures of these countries, creating a unique atmosphere of an open-air festival. The students proudly demonstrated their cultural heritage, eliciting admiration and loud applause from the audience.

 There was also a traditional treat for the guests to enjoy in the fresh air. National dishes prepared with love for all comers allowed to touch the culinary traditions of the holiday and enjoy the unique flavours of distant countries in an informal atmosphere. And the festive event ended in a truly rousing way - with national holiday games, which were held under the energetic rhythms of music of these countries right on the street. These games became not only entertainment, but also a symbol of unity and joy, uniting students and guests in an atmosphere of relaxed fun and cultural exchange.

The celebration of the Sinhala, Tamil and Nepali New Year in the open air of the Belarusian State Medical University became a bright example of respect for cultural diversity and an unforgettable event in the life of the international student community of the university, contributing to the strengthening of friendly ties and mutual understanding between representatives of different countries in an unusual and joyful environment.