Residents of Northern Caucasus tell about change in attitudes to March 8

The refusal of some residents of Chechnya and Dagestan to celebrate March 8 is associated with religious motives. Young people in Dagestan tend to perceive March 8 as an ordinary day; while older people, out of habit, celebrate the holiday, said Makhachkala townspeople. Residents of Kabardino-Balkaria, who commemorate the Balkars-deportation victims on March 8, would like to celebrate the Women's Day on another date.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that residents of Dagestan and Chechnya have no uniform opinion about the acceptability of celebrating the International Women's Day from the religious viewpoint.

Magomed, 20, has noted that, being a believer, he constantly pays attention to his sister and mother, while his religion "calls to always treat women respectfully."

When one of the Caucasian nations is in mourning, others should not celebrate the holiday, Ibragim Magomedbekov, a resident of Makhachkala, is sure.

Many of the interviewed Balkars do not celebrate March 8, considering it inappropriate to celebrate the International Women's Day on a tragic date.

Mutalip Beppaev, the Chairman of the Writers' Union of Kabardino-Balkaria, would like to celebrate the women's holiday on another day, not related to tragic events.

On March 7, Ramzan Kadyrov presented state awards to female residents of the republic; and traffic police inspectors congratulated women drivers with flowers.

Yunus-Bek Evkurov held a meeting with female residents of Ingushetia-civil servants and activists. The head of the republic congratulated them on March 8, awarding them with flowers and gifts.