Astana, Dec 3 (IANS): Lectures, arts and crafts festivals, musical events and fashion shows were held across Kazakhstan to commemorate the day when more than 20 years ago Nursultan Nazarbayev was elected the central Asian country's first president.

Dec 1 is celebrated as the Day of the First President.

Nazarbayev was elected president by an overwhelming majority Dec 1, 1991. A little over two weeks later, Kazakhstan declared its independence.

A bill was passed by the Senate (upper house of parliament) in December 2011 to acknowledge the huge achievements of Nazarbayev, who has helped transform Kazakhstan from a Soviet republic into a modern, democratic state, a statement said Tuesday.

Since Dec 1 was a Sunday, Dec 2 was declared a holiday.

Celebrations began way in advance.

On Nov 27, a lecture "Kazakhstan as a model of ethnic tolerance and social agreement" was held in Astana.

There was also a fashion show of national costumes, followed by a concert of ethnic music by artists from the Zhambyl and Kyzylorda regions.

The following day, a conference on peace and agreement was held.

More than 40 events, including conferences, round tables, celebratory events, exhibitions, competitions, and festivals of art and crafts, were held throughout the country, the statement said.

Representatives of the Nazarbayev University marked the day by visiting schools and colleges in Ust-Kamenogorsk and the Eastern Kazakhstan region.

In Ekibastuz in Pavlodar region, the day was marked by the opening of a new children's technical school, a kindergarten for children and the presentation of keys to new flats to 45 families. A charity concert and sporting events were also held.

Nurlan Nigmatulin, chairman of the Majilis (lower house of parliament), said Nazarbayev has led Kazakhstan to a position of stability, prosperity and regional leadership.