Navruz a national holiday in Uzbekistan, with celebrations held nationwide for this springtime holiday of renewal. This marks the beginning of a new year for Central Asia and has always been a pagan holiday, with people from all ethnic groups joining in celebration. In the days leading up to Navruz, most people engage in volunteer work, in groups (known as khashar), cleaning and decorating their cities or villages. Sumptuous meals are served, signifying the hope that the coming year will be bountiful. The main dish is called sumalyak and it is served only once each year. It’s made from the sprouts of wheat grains, which symbolise eternal life and wheat flour, and has the consistency of a thick cream, with a distinctive and pleasant flavour. Sumalyak is offered as a treat to the members of the family members, guests and neighbours. According to tradition, on this holiday people forgive one another for all past offences and renew friendships. The lonely, poor and sick are visited and are

Independence Day is considered the most important holiday in Uzbekistan. The country gained independence in 1991 and the occasion has been celebrated on 1 September since that time. Outdoor fetes and concerts are staged in all towns, villages and cities in Uzbekistan. Tashkent boasts the major event, which is held on the main stage at Alisher Navoiy National Park, beginning with a speech to the nation by the country’s president and followed by a performance staged by the best of Uzbekistan’s actors, dancers and singers. Arts, crafts, folklore, ethnic cuisine and a dramatic fireworks display fill out the day’s offerings.

This harvest festival is traditionally held in December and features horse racing and wrestling competitions among local athletes (known as palvans). There are also Kok-Pary national games, a Kuzkuu traditional competition (in which the contestant must tag a running girl), ram fighting and cock fighting. Nukus is the capital of Karakalpakstan, which is an autonomous republic in Uzbekistan.