Holidays in Uzbekistan

Kurban Hayit

Kurban Hayit is one of the most important holidays in Islam. It is the day of the unity of Muslims, the day of mercy and kindness. It is celebrated 70 days after Ramadan Hayit and the holiday marks the end of the Hajj. Arafa, the day before the celebration, is the day when Muslims get ready for the holiday. In Uzbekistan, every family prepares traditional dishes like chak-chak, kush-tili, bugirsok and nuts for Kurban Hayit. Traditional pilaf is prepared in the evening of Arafa.

According to tradition, men go to the mosque for the morning prayer Hayit-namaz. Then they sacrifice a sheep. The meat is divided into three parts: the one for those in need, the one for neighbors and friends and the last part for the family. As part of Kurban Hayit, Uzbeks visit the cemetery a few days before the holiday and clean the graves. Kurban Hayit is celebrated for three days. Uzbeks visit relatives and friends. In the families where there are newlyweds, the wedded wife covers her head and face with a veil.