Uzbek National Holidays

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Uzbek National Holidays 
Nowruz (New day) is celebrated on March 21, the day of vernal equinox. 
This day Uzbek families cook national dishes such as sumalyak, pilaf, samsa and 
others. This holiday symbolizes friendship, unity and brotherhood of all peoples. 
That is why, this day people must forgive each other, not quarrel, as well as help 
the poor men. According to tradition, all this brings home good luck, prosperity 
and well-being. People visit their relatives and friends, sing songs, as well as wish 
the New Year to be prosperous. The Uzbeks who live in villages arrange 
traditional competitions and games. 
Ramazan Hait is celebrated on the 9 month Hijri on Muslim calendar. It is a 
celebration of moral and spiritual purification. After fasting-day – Uraza, which 
lasts 30 days, is celebrated Ramazan Hait. During Uraza it is not allowed to eat, 
drink and take pleasure. But after sunset and before sunrise it is allowed to eat and 
drink. All believers must respect each other and avoid bad thoughts. After this 
people celebrate Ramazan Hait. The holiday lasts for three days. 
The greatest holiday, celebrated by Muslims, is Kurban Hait holiday. There is a 
legend, once one of the ancestors of the peoples of northern Arabia Ibrahim saw 
Allah in his dream, who told him to bring to sacrifice his son Ishmael. When he 
was ready to kill the boy, Allah was sure in his devotion and told him to bring him 
a lamb. So, this day every faithful Muslim sacrifices a sheep or lamb. This day 
Uzbek families cook different dishes visit their relatives and friends. 
There are also other holidays in Uzbekistan: New Year is celebrated on January 1, 
Day of Defenders of Motherland - January 14, International Women's Day - March 
8, Memorial Day - May 9, Independence Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan - 
September 1, Teacher's Day - October 1, Constitution Day - December 8. 
What people do not like to have fun and relax? Perhaps, there is no such a 
nation. Uzbek people are very hard working. But after work it is necessary to get a 
respite. 

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There are holidays in Uzbekistan. Certain holidays are national, other 
religious, another sub-category of Uzbek holidays refers to those which came to 
the culture of Uzbekistan and densely settled in it since the Soviet times. 
Holidays and memorials are established with the aim of preserving 
centuries-old traditions, observance of folk customs, taking into account their 
importance in the formation of high morality, and for enriching the spiritual life of 
citizens. Uzbekistan holidays and memorable dates are celebrated throughout the 
country. The state supports the initiatives of citizens, authorities and public 
institutions, commercial and non-profit organizations in terms of arranging and 
holding celebrations and other significant events. 
National holidays of Uzbekistan reflect the path traversed by the Uzbek 
people in its struggle for independence, sovereignty and integrity of the country. 
Each Uzbekistan holiday has its separate story and special significance for 
the people. As an example, such holidays and festivals of Uzbekistan as: Navruz, 
Ramazan Hayit and Kurban Hayit came from antiquity. The traditions of 
Zoroastrianism and Islam, from time immemorial have been living in the mode of 
the Uzbek people. 
The residents of Uzbekistan pay tribute to the international significant dates: 
New Year - magical and beloved holiday in the world and the International 
Women's Day.