Kazakh President lights the New Year tree

TANA. November 29. KAZINFORM /Serik Sabekov/ Today Head of State Nursultan Nazarbayev has lit the New Year tree on the square in front of the Ak Orda residence.

"This year we mark the 20^th anniversary of the country's independence. It is the great holiday for your parents, your grandfathers and grandmothers for we have worked over 20 years to make you, children, happy," Nursultan Nazarbayev told addressing the young participants of the New Year tree lighting ceremony. "The New Year holiday is first of all the children's holiday when the dreams come true," the President noted. "Your task is to study well to become considerable citizens of our great Motherland. I wish you Happy New Year, new impressions, happiness and good health," the Head of State said.

The tree is decorated with 2,316 balls, 925 stroboscopes, 240 photodiode snowflakes, 354 meters of fairy lights and wire ribbons, 150 variously colored play lights.

The tree lighting ceremony gives start to New Year carnivals, campaigns, balls and children's parties.