Public Holidays in Uzbekistan with days-off January 1st, New Year

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.

May 9, Memorial Day Memorial Day, observed in honor of the heroes who sacrificed their lives in World War II, is an important national holiday in Uzbekistan. Hundreds of thousands of Uzbek men fought on the front lines, while women and the elderly toiled at home. The Uzbek SSR also welcomed many refugees to the land during these difficult years. Uzbekistan lost more than 450,000 citizens during the war. On May 9, residents of Uzbekistan join with millions of people from the former Soviet Union in congratulating war veterans on their bravery and in laying flowers at memorials and monuments. At the Walk of Fame and Remembrance in Tashkent’s Mustakillik Square, the name of every Uzbek who perished in World War II is carved on granite steles. Nearby, a bronze statue of a mourning mother stands as a symbol for the collective grief of Uzbekistan during the war.

Date changes, Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Hayit) Eid al-Fitr (Roza or Ramadan Hayit) is an Islamic holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the annual month of fasting. Since 1992, Ramadan Hayit has been a public holiday in Uzbekistan. Preparations for Ramadan Hayit begin a day prior, on Arafah (Eve). On this day nearly every Uzbek family prepares the national rice dish plov, as well as a myriad of breads and sweets. The day itself is a symbol of purification and faith. It begins with men gathered at the local mosque for prayer, although these may also be recited at home, followed by customary visits to the graves of loved ones. Ramadan Eid in Uzbekistan lasts for three days in total, during which time people receive many guests, visit relatives and share homemade goodies with neighbors and friends. The holiday is particularly enjoyed by children, who receive special toys and treats from parents and relatives.