E. A. Abdalina, R. J. Hoshimova

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS IN UZBEKISTAN

One of the distinguishing traits of the Uzbek people is particular love for all kinds of holidays ceremonies.

According to the Law on holidays in the Republic of Uzbekistan there have been fixed 8 days-off (non-working days) out of which 2 days are international holidays (New Year and Women's Day). As for the rest of the holidays it is possible to say the following;
Navrus holiday (day of vernal equinox) is celebrated on the 21-st of March. It is one of the ancient universal holidays of farmers, cattle — breeders, working people who have a rest on the day of spring's coming, the time of nature's awakening, flourishing, welfare, abundance.
The Day of Memory and Honour is celebrated on the 9-th of May. It is the holiday of victory over fascism in the war 1941-1945.
Independence Day is celebrated on the 1-st of September, holiday of declaration of independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Constitution Day is celebrated on the 8-th of December, the day when the fundamental Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan — Constitution was adopted.
The most important Moslem holidays are widely celebrated "Rouza-Hayit" (Iyd-a-Fitr) the day when fasting ends (uraza) which lasts the whole nine month of the Moslem calendar-Ramadan. During Ramazan fasting the believers must absten from eating, drinking, pleasure, recreation in the day time and should devote the day to work, prayer, reading of Koran.
" Kourban- Hayit" (lyd-al-Adha) is sacrificing animals. These holidays are held under the badge of declared by Islam norms of belief, morals and ethics, peace, kindness, charity, sympathy.


VI. Answer the following questions after reading the text given below

1. 
   What do you know about political situation in Uzbekistan?
   
2. 
   When was the Declaration of Independence of Uzbekistan proclamed?
   

3. On what five basic principles is the Republic of Uzbekistan based in the conditions of forming market relations?