Holidays and Festivals of Uzbekistan contents

the day of Navruz, ceremonies are performed to cajole natural forces and 

spirits of ancestors into assuring a successful new year. In addition to the 

common meal, each family cooks a celebratory dish from buckwheat groats 

and sweets.  

Throughout the world, many other cultures have long celebrated the coming 

of the spring equinox. In Egypt, both Moslems and Christians celebrate the 

coming of spring on the Monday after Coptic Easter. This holiday, called 

Sham el Nessim, is thought to have its roots in ancient Egypt, when it was 

celebrated at the spring equinox just like Navruz. Ancient Slavs, the Japanese 

and many Native American tribes also have historical holidays that were tied 

to the spring solstice. The longevity of Navruz and other spring celebrations 

indicates the significance we still attach to the beginning of a new agricultural