Nowruz in Uzbekistan

Nowruz, also spelled Navruz or Norooz, is a historical festival marking the beginning of spring and the Iranian New Year. Celebrated around March 21st, which corresponds to the vernal equinox, Nowruz is an ancient tradition that dates back over 3,000 years and originates from Iran's Zoroastrian religion.

History and Traditions

In Uzbekistan, Nowruz has a rich history intertwined with Persian influence. It symbolizes rebirth and renewal, reflecting the country's agrarian past where the new year coincided with the time to plant new crops.

During Nowruz, various customs are observed that reflect a blend of pre-Islamic and Islamic traditions. The festival involves:

• Cleaning and Renewal: Prior to Nowruz, people thoroughly clean their homes and buy new clothes to welcome the new year with freshness.
• Sumalak Cooking: Sumalak is a traditional sweet paste made from germinated wheatgrass, which is cooked over several hours or even days. The process of making Sumalak is communal and often accompanied by singing and dancing.
• Special Meals: Families prepare lavish feasts including traditional dishes such as pilaf (rice dish), kebabs, and various salads.
• Visiting Friends and Relatives: People visit each other's homes to celebrate together; it's customary to start with the eldest family members.
• Music and Dance Performances: Traditional music and dance are integral parts of celebrating Nowruz in Uzbekistan.
• Outdoor Activities: People participate in outdoor activities such as playing sports or going for picnics in nature.

Celebrations on Nowruz Day

On the day of Nowruz in Uzbekistan:

1. Festivities begin early with people dressing up in new clothes.
2. Families gather around the dastarkhan (festive table) filled with special dishes representing prosperity.
3. One significant element on the table is Haft Mewa (Seven Fruits), a dish made from seven different dried fruits symbolizing life's sweetness.
4. Children often receive small gifts or money from elders as part of Eidi (a gift given on festive occasions).
5. Public celebrations include street performances, concerts, traditional games such as kurash (wrestling), horseback riding events like kupkari (buzkashi), as well as fairs selling handicrafts.

Nowruz remains an important cultural event in Uzbekistan that