Uzbek National Holidays

January 14, Homeland Defenders’ Day (Men’s Day) 
On January 14, 1992, the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan were organized under 
the newly independent state, prompting the government to declare this date as 
Homeland Defenders’ Day. 
Although not counted among public holidays in Uzbekistan, Homeland 
Defenders’ Day is a significant event. Celebrations involving the Ministry of 
Defense, Ministry of the Interior, National Security Service and other agencies are 
held in city plazas, where congratulations and awards are issued by the 
government. 
In addition to being a professional military holiday, Homeland Defenders’ 
Day is widely observed as Men’s Day in Uzbekistan. At home, school and the 
workplace, men are congratulated with gifts and treated to special meals as a show 
of respect and admiration for their role in the family and their military service.
March 8, International Women's Day 
International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8th, coincides with the 
first awakenings of spring. The holiday has long been synonymous with beauty 
and femininity and is a day to shower women with special attention, flowers and 
gifts. Jewelry, perfumes, chocolates, cakes and the like disappear from store 
shelves in Uzbekistan as women are honored in ever sphere of society. Special 
meals are prepared and toasts, poems and songs are recited in honor of the female 
gender, with both professional and small-scale performances held throughout the 

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country. Although in many ways the 8th of March serves as the equivalent of 
Mother’s Day in Uzbekistan, its scope is broader and includes recognition of all 
wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, girlfriends and female classmates.
March 21, Navruz Holiday 
Navruz (Nowruz) is without dispute the most colorful holiday in Uzbekistan. 
Its history dates back three thousand years and is rooted in the ancient cult of sun 
worship and Zoroastrianism, which were once widespread in Persia and Central 
Asia. Today it is associated with the rebirth of nature, new life, joy and kindness. 
Celebrations often last 2-3 days and involve folk festivals, lavishly decorated 
streets, traditional sports competitions, home visitations and joyous hospitality. 
Many believe that forgiving your enemies, living peaceably and helping the needy 
during this season will bring good luck to the coming year. Traditionally, seven 
special dishes are served as a further symbol of fortune for the months to follow. 
The most popular Navruz dish in Uzbekistan is sumalak, a taffy-like treat 
prepared from sprouted wheat and flour. Although customarily cooked the night 
before Navruz, it can be made any time in early spring. The tedious process of 
stirring the huge cauldron of ingredients nonstop unites friends, relatives and 
neighbors in a joyful gathering punctuated with music, laughter and fun.