2. Holidays in Uzbekistan are
fun celebrations that
include both secular and
religious, local and
international, ancient and
20th-century observances.
With great exuberance,
the people of Uzbekistan
rise to each occasion with
gifts, homemade treats,
dancing and festive
gatherings.
3. Public Holidays in Uzbekistan
January 1 New Year
January 14 Homeland Defenders’ Day
March 8 International Women’s Day
March 21 Navruz
May 9 Memorial Day
Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Hayit)
Eid al-Adha (Kurban Hayit)
September 1 Independence Day
October 1 Teachers’ and Mentors’ Day
December 8 Constitution Day
4. January 1st, New Year
New Year is one of the most beloved
holidays on the Uzbekistan calendar. As
preparations begin in early December,
the weeks leading up to the New Year
are very celebratory in themselves. City
streets, transformed by New Year trees
and glittering garlands, are filled with
people rushing to buy toys, gifts, savory
delicacies and enough sweets to last for
days. Santa Claus and his granddaughter
Snow Maiden can be seen at
restaurants, shops and plazas
throughout the holiday season.
5. Homeland Defenders` Day in Uzbekistan
January 14
On Homeland Defenders’ Day in Uzbekistan, also celebrated as Men’s
Day, men of all ages and occupations are congratulated for their role as
fathers, husbands and protectors of the nation.
It is impossible to understand the importance of Homeland Defenders’
Day in Uzbekistan (also known as Defenders of the Motherland Day)
without acknowledging the country’s history and national mentality. For
the last hundred years, the peoples of the former USSR have celebrated
Homeland Defenders’ Day as a holiday of honor and courage. Along with
the entire post-Soviet population, Uzbekistan’s citizens have survived
the hardships of World War II and the threat of a full-blown atomic Cold
War. Completion of military service is held in such high regard in
Uzbekistan that failure to do so often brings shame to the young man
6. March 8, International Women's
Day
International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8th,
coincides with the first awakenings of spring. The holiday
has long been synonymous with beauty and femininity and is
a day to shower women with special attention, flowers and
In Uzbekistan this
holiday is celebrated
as a holiday of love,
kindness and beauty,
as well as is known
as “Mothers’ day”.
7. March 21 – Navruz celebrations
The most ancient national holiday Navruz (in
translation with Persian Navruz designates
“new day”) which is celebrated on March,
21st, is considered the beginning of new year.
8. May 9 – Memorial Day / Victory
Day
In 1999 majestic Square of Memory has been opened in
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 memory of our compatriots which during centuries
heroically, self-denyingly protected our native territory, its
freedom and independence, a peace life of our people.
Also this holiday is considered as a day of honoring human
being, in this day people check up on their relatives and
friends, particularly the elderly are honored and visited.
9. September 1 – Independence
Day
The main national holiday of the Republic of Uzbekistan is the
Day Independence. This holiday is celebrated annually on the
1st September, is ceremonial and colorful. This national holiday
personifies all dreams and expectations of all Uzbek people
which lean on main principles friendliness, solidarity, charity,
mutual respect.
10. October 1 – Teacher’s Day
Every year in Uzbekistan
celebrated the Day of teachers and
mentors. Deep respect for the
teacher has taken roots in our
territory during old times.
“Domla”, “Muallim”, “Ustoz” –
these words during many centuries
with gratitude and respect the
pupils received from the teachers
not only knowledge on subject
matters, but also manuals about
the valid attitude to people, love
to the Motherland, high morals and
11. December 8, Constitution
Day The Constitution of
Uzbekistan was adopted
on December 8, 1992,
having been preceded by
2.5 years of arduous work
by the Constitutional
Commission. When
drafting the constitution,
international expertise
and the national situation
was taken into account.
12. Ramadan Hayit (Ruza Hayit, Eid al-
Fitr)
Ramadan Hayit (Ruza Hayit, Eid al-Fitr) is a celebration of
spiritual and moral purification. The holiday celebrates
completion of Islamic month of fasting Ruza (Ramadan),
which lasts 30 days and is considered as a rite of spiritual
and moral purification. In the month of Ramadan while
fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from
consuming food and drinking liquids, they should avoid bad
thoughts, treat others in respectful manner and do good.
Fasting is obligatory for every Muslim, it helps to
strengthen their faith and teaches self-discipline. Fasting is
not allowed for small children, people who are suffering
from illness or those who are travelling.
13. Eid al-Adha - 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.
