Uzbek holidays

Uzbek holidays
By far the biggest Central Asian holiday is the spring festival of Navruz (New Day), an Islamic adaptation of pre -I slamic vernal equinox or renewal celebrations, celebrated approximately on the vernal equinox (21 March). It is the celebrations of the nature’s awakening and start of sowing works, which preserved in its rituals the features of Zoroastrianism. In farming oases of ancient Uzbekistan large public festivities, holidays bazaars were organized annually. During the years of state independence the celebration of Navruz acquired the new scale and depth. It became the nationwide holiday of friendship, unity, eternity of all nations. Philosophical and poetic reflection of Navruz, its role in the public history is discovered in bright theater – type shows. Now it’s a two day affair consisting of traditional games, music, drama festivals, street art and colorful fairs. If that gets the adrenalin flowing, you can also check out wrestling, ram fighting and cock fighting. Traditionally, even today people cook “baursak” and prepare ritual dish – sumalyak. After celebration usually the field works start, which in the past were also accompanied by performance of various ceremonies: before going to the filed the horns and neck of the bullock and bull were treated by oil. First furrow is performed by the most respected and eldest member of the community. The religious holiday associated with the end of fasting. Ramazan Khayit and Qurban – Hayit are celebrated widely. Ramadan, the month of sunrise – to – sunset fasting, is observed with little fanfare in most parts of Uzbekistan, and travelers will still find plenty of food available. Ramazan – Khayit holiday is amazing – holiday of spiritual and moral cleansing. It starts from the end of 30 – days fasting which fall to the 9th month of Muslim year of Khidjra according to Islamic laws. On this holiday people commemorate the dead, visit the sick and elder people, are engaged in charity and other good works. Qurban Khayit, the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most important Muslim holidays. It is celebrated with the slaughter of animals and the sharing of meat with relatives and the poor. On this day after due rituals the believers pay visits or receive guests themselves, assist the sick, lonely people, express mercy to close people. On this day Muslims make pilgrimage to Mecca. More than 5000 Muslims from Uzbekistan go to Mecca annually 20 days prior to this day.