Ask any Uzbek people, whether old or young, about the dearest and most favorite holiday. And as often as not you will get the answer "Navruz". What kind of holiday is it

Independence Day of Uzbekistan

The 1st of September, 1991, is the birthday of new independent republic of Uzbekistan. It is the first and most important public holiday of the country. The whole country celebrates the anniversary of Independence in wide, bright and funny way. Each region (there are 12 regions in Uzbekistan) prepare various festive programs. Wherever you find yourself this day, you will find a fascinating sight: performances of original folk groups, excitable sports events, various shows and noisy craft fairs. And of course what a holiday is without treats? Festive pilaf is served in the centre of a large table, which gathers members of a family, colleagues, neighbors, friends... The capital of Uzbekistan is preparing to the celebration in advance, because the festive show, which takes place on the main square of the country, the Independence Square, is so spectacular and grandiose that it just takes one’s breath away. Hundreds of extras, dozens of musical and dance groups, the most interesting pop and movie stars participate in it. And in the evening the square is lit up with grandiose fireworks.

Kurban Hayit in Uzbekistan

Kurban Hayit (Eid al-Adha) is one of the biggest holidays in the Islamic world. It marks the end of the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). Kurban Hayit is celebrated 70 days after the end of another major holiday - Ramadan Hayit. Since 1991, the religious holiday of Kurban Hayit in Uzbekistan has been declared as a public holiday and is widely celebrated in the country. Preparations for both Ramadan Hayit and Kurban Hayit (Eid al-Adha) begin the day before Hayit and this day is called “Arafa”. On the day of Arafa traditional pastry: “kush-tili”, “bugirsok” – fancy pastry balls, “orama”, “chak-chak” – straws and nuts in sugar and others are prepared by every Uzbekistan family. In the evening every family cooks festive plov, which neighbors usually pass to each other. Plov is served in kosa (big ceramic bowl) and decorated with pastry on top. Kurban Hayit, as in other countries, starts with a morning Hayit-namaz (prayer). After Hayit namaz the sacrifice is done. In most cases in Uzbekistan sheep is sacrificed, rarely -cows, and quite rarely - camels. After the sacrifices made it is obligatory to divide the meat into three parts: a precondition - at least one third should be distributed to people in need and not more than a one third should be left to the family. Even Kurban Hayit is a holiday, there is a rule to visit the cemeteries of relatives these days. Therefore, a few days before the holiday "mazar"s (cemeteries) are tidied up. This was always supervised by mahalla’s (residential quarters) residents local gathering. Each mahalla has its own area in mazar.