In Astana, at the Musical Young Spectator’s Theater, a wedding ceremony was held for the sixteenth couple who met and fell in love at the theater in honor of “Shanyrak Day” on March 16. The event aims to promote the unique tradition of “Shanyrak Koteru” passed down by ancestors.
So far, 15 couples who met at the theater have gotten married. Today, on “Shanyrak Day,” the wedding ceremony of the 16th couple, Aidos Amandyk and Aidana Bolat, took place at the theater.
The event was attended by Meruert Otekesheva, who became the epitome of Kazakh women’s beauty through her role as Kyz Zhibek, an Honored Artist of the Kazakh SSR and recipient of the “Kurmet” and “Parasat” orders. Also present were Kanat and Sveta Aitbaev, Honored Figures of Kazakhstan, as well as Nurlan Baizhighituly, the Chief Imam of Yryskeldi Khazhi Mosque in Astana, a well-known theologian and scholar.
The director of the Musical Young Spectator’s Theater, Askhat Maksimuly, an Honored Figure of Kazakhstan, addressed the audience:
_“Good evening, dear art lovers and supporters of our theater! Since last year, our theater has been celebrating a special Nauryznama. We have been organizing grand events that showcase Kazakh national values and our spiritual heritage. Our theater has been operating for about four and a half years now. During this time, it has become not just a stage for performances but a true home for many. So far, not only 15 couples but 30 people have found their life partners here and built families.
Today, as this young couple embarks on their journey together, may their love remain pure, their hearts sincere! May their artistic and personal aspirations always align! May their bond remain unbreakable forever!”_
The event featured a wedding ceremony, musical performances, traditional Kazakh songs, and blessings for the young couple, emphasizing the importance of family values.
Chief Imam Nurlan Baizhighituly delivered his blessing:
“May Allah grant them a righteous and prosperous life, like Adam and Eve, Prophet Muhammad and Khadijah, Khan Abylai and Sayman Ana, Koblandy and Korkyt Ana, Isatay and Mylkym Ana. May they be protected from harm, live a long and happy life together, and grow into a blessed and prosperous family. Ameen!”
He also conducted a traditional Islamic marriage ceremony for the couple.
The groom, Aidos Amandyk, shared his thoughts on the significance of “Shanyrak Day”، which was introduced as part of the new Nauryz concept:
_“Shanyrak Day” serves as a celebration of national family values and pure love. It encourages patriotism and morality in young generations. Today, we are getting married on this sacred stage, on this special day. We are the 16th couple to have met and fallen in love at the theater, which makes this moment twice as meaningful for us.
The couples who married before us have already built strong and loving families, and we believe that this beautiful tradition will continue in the future.”
The newlyweds, stepping into a new chapter of life, shared their love story.
_“We have been working at this theater since 2023. My wife’s name is Aidana Bolat. We first met at university. Back when we were just applicants standing at the university doors, we got acquainted and became friends. We studied together at the Kulyash Baisseitova Kazakh National University of Arts, in Askhat Maemirov’s workshop.
When I first met her and heard that she was ‘Miss Kokshetau,’ I thought, ‘Would she even notice me?’ I didn’t have the courage to approach her at first. After two years of friendship, I finally confessed my feelings and asked her to be my girlfriend. And now, here we are, building our family together,”_ said Aidos.
Honored guests expressed their heartfelt wishes to the couple, wishing them eternal love, the respect of their community, and a bright future together.
In Kazakh culture, the shanyrak holds deep significance. It symbolizes the sky above, a home, support, prosperity, security, and the continuity of generations.
