National Holidays

Day of Defenders of the Native Land (January, 14th)
This holiday in independent Uzbekistan is celebrated in honor of the creation of national Armed forces. Parliament of the country on January 14, 1992, made a decision to transfer all units, military educational institutions, and other military formations deployed in the territory of the country, under the jurisdiction of the Republic of Uzbekistan. So, it laid the foundation for establishing national Armed forces. On December 29, 1993 “January 14” has been declared as the Day of Defenders of the Native land.

Women’s Day (March, 8th)
In Uzbekistan this holiday is celebrated as a holiday of love, kindness, and beauty, as well as it is known as “Mothers’ day”.

Navruz (March, 21st)
The most ancient national holiday Navruz (in translation with Persian Navruz means”new day”) which is celebrated on March, 21st, is considered the beginning of the new year. As is known, March 21st is the day of the spring equinox. Day length and nights are identical – 12 hours. At the beginning of this holiday, many Uzbek families prepare national dishes such as Sumalak, Halim, and somsa from plants, Plov, and others. These Uzbek dishes contain many vitamin substances which are useful to the human body.

With the obtaining of the country’s independence ancient customs and traditions of the Uzbek people have been revived, the holiday Navruz also has been restored and celebrating has got new scope and depth. It became a national holiday of friendship, unification, and brotherhood of all people. The bright dramatized representations of the philosophic and poetic judgment of Navruz, it places in national history reveals. Now Navruz is celebrating annually in a grand manner.

Day of Memory and Honor (May, 9th)
In 1999 majestic Square of Memory has been opened in the capital of Uzbekistan on 9th May and since then Day of Memory and Honor on May, 9th is celebrated. This holiday in independent Uzbekistan is celebrated in honor of the memory of our compatriots who for centuries heroically, self-denyingly protected our native territory, its freedom, and independence, peaceful life of our people. Also, this holiday is considered a day of honoring human beings, in this day people check up on their relatives and friends, particularly the elderly are honored and visited.

Day of Independence (September, 1st)
The main national holiday of the Republic of Uzbekistan is the Day of Independence. This holiday is celebrated annually on the 1st of September and is ceremonial and colorful. This national holiday personifies all dreams and expectations of all Uzbek people which lean on the main principles of friendliness, solidarity, charity, and mutual respect.

Representatives of the various nations living in Uzbekistan, despite nationality, religion, the social status all actively celebrate a holiday in each street, the area, and the people living in mahallas and in regions.

Day of teachers and educators (October, 1st)
Annually the Day of Teachers and Instructors is solemnly celebrated in Uzbekistan. The deep respect for the teacher has taken root in our territory during old times. “Domlo”, “Muallim”, and “Ustoz” – these words during many centuries with gratitude and respect the pupils received from the teachers not only knowledge on subject matters said, but also lessons about the valid attitude to people, love to the Native land, about high morals and spirituality.

Pupils of schools and educational institutions deeply esteem all those who have given them the first vital knowledge. On this day pupils with gratitude give flowers and gifts.

The Constitution Day (December, 8th)
The constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan is accepted by the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) on 8th December 1992. This holiday is celebrated across all of Uzbekistan.

Ramadan Hayit
This holiday is known as Ruza Hayit, it coincides with the 9th month (Hidjriy) on the Muslim calendar. This holiday includes religious practice as Ruza which lasts 30 days and it is considered a ceremony of spiritual and moral purification. Conditions of the ceremony are the following: from sunrise up to decline not to eat food and also water; will be kept from evil thoughts, and assumptions; with all surrounding to be in respect and make whenever possible more than goods to associates.

After the performance of this ceremony last day of the holiday which lasts three days – Ramadan Hayit begins. The first day of a holiday «Ramadan Hayit» is considered not a working day.

Qurbon Hayit
The religious holiday Qurbon Hayit is one of the greatest holidays in the World which is celebrated by Moslems. Sources of this holiday are ancient histories which are connected with prophet Ibrohim who in honor of the belief wished to sacrifice to “Allah” of their own son, but kind spirits stopped his actions and instead of this have told him to sacrifice animals such as sheep, camels, etc. The holiday lasts three days and these days all Muslims celebrate this holiday with their family natives and close. Especially on these holidays people visit natives and close, and also sick and require help. The first day of «Qurbon Hayit» is considered not an off day.