Holidays in Uzbekistan

January 1: New Year, "Yangi Yil Bayrami"

New Year’s Day is quite possibly the most positive and forward-looking holiday for Uzbekistan people. Midnight between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is often marked by fireworks and fire crackers.

January 14: Day of Defender of the Motherland

This holiday is celebrated in honor of the creation of Uzbekistan's own Army forces. January 14 is marked as the Day of Defenders of the Motherland, the professional holiday of military personnel. It was established when the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan were formed in 1992.

It is a nationwide public holiday and celebrated quite spectacularly.

March 8: International Women's Day, "Xalqaro Xotin-Qizlar kuni"

The international women's day is a holiday of beauty, tenderness and feminity. Also it is known as "Mothers day". People celebrate this holiday, as a holiday of love, kindness and beauty. Men give this day to the mothers, wives and daughters flowers and gifts with sincere wishes.

March 21: Nowruz, "Navro'z Bayrami"

Nowruz is a festival that marks the beginning of solar New Year. Nowruz is an ancient Zoroastrian fiesta that has survived the passage of time through centuries.

Nowruz is characterized by the renewal of family reunions, paying tribute to the elderly, exchanging gifts, attending to the poor and the orphans, reconciliation with those with whom we’ve been at odds for some time and taking pleasure in the beauties of nature, which stand out quite noticeably at this particular point of time.

May 9: Day of Memory and Remembrance "Xotira va Qadirlash kuni"

In 1999, May 9 in Tashkent was solemnly opened "Square of Memorial" and since that time it has been celebrated as the national holiday named after "Day of Memory and Remembrance".

This day ensures the continuity of national values, memory of patriotism and bravery of ancestors, and respect to older generations.

September 1: Independence Day, "Mustaqillik kuni"

The Day Independence is the main national holiday of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This holiday is celebrated annually on the 1st of September. The whole country celebrates the anniversary of Independence widely and brightly.

October 1: Teacher's Day, "O'qituvchi va Murabbiylar"

Every student celebrates this day to encourage and support the contribution of his or her teacher. Teachers enlighten students and shape their career. This day marks gratitude and respect to their selfless efforts. Students show their appreciation with cards and flowers, often returning to old schools with gifts.

December 8: Day of the Constitution, "Konstitutsiya kuni"

On this day in 1992 the constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan is accepted by the Oliy Majlis. This holiday is celebrated across all Uzbekistan.

End of Ramadan – Ramazon Hayit (Eid al-Fitr)

Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal and marks the end of Ramadan. On this day, Muslims are expected to give charity, greet one another and show happiness. Greetings include "Eid Mubarak" and "Eid Sa'id".

It is a time to forgive and to celebrate with family and friends.

70 days later – Qurbon Hayit (Eid al-Adha)

Eid al-Adha commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son for God. It is a time for family gatherings, meals, and giving gifts (eidi), especially to children.