Holidays in Uzbekistan

Ramadan Hayit

Ramadan Hayit is a day of moral and spiritual purification. The holiday starts after the Islamic fasting Ruza that lasts for 30 days. It is the fasting to purify the soul. According to fasting month, Ruza or Ramadan from sunrise to sunset Muslims are not allowed to eat and drink, they treat politely and avoid bad thoughts.

All religious holidays start with morning prayer Hayit-namaz. Ramadan Hayit lasts for three days. In Uzbekistan, religious holidays are declared public holidays and the whole country celebrates Ramadan. Arafa is the day before the holiday. On Arafa, Uzbek families prepare traditional dishes kush-tili, Orama, chak-chak, bugirsok and nuts in sugar.

As a tradition on the day of a religious holiday Uzbek families visit a cemetery to honour relatives. Mazars (cemeteries) are tidied up before the holiday. After visiting the cemetery it is used to visit friends and relatives. The house where there are newlyweds, kelin (wife) wears a veil to cover her head and face.