Kurban Hayit is one of the largest holidays in the Islamic world, marking the end of the Hajj. The religious holiday Kurban Khait in Uzbekistan is declared a day off and is always widely celebrated in the country.
Both on the days of Ramadan Hayit and on the days of Kurban Hayit, preparations for the holiday begin the day before Hayit and this day is called “Arafah”. On the day of Araf, every Uzbek family prepares traditional flour products: “kush-tili”, “bogursok”, “chak-chak” and other national dishes. In the evening, pre-holiday pilaf is prepared, which neighbors usually exchange with each other. Festive dishes are served in a kousushka or lyagan, first pilaf, and the upper part is decorated with flour products.
After Hait Namaz, sacrifices are made for three days. In most cases, sheep are sacrificed in Uzbekistan. After the sacrifice, it is customary to divide the meat into three parts: an indispensable condition is to distribute at least a third to those in need and leave no more than a third in the family.
Although Kurban Khait is primarily a holiday, on these days it is also customary to visit the graves of relatives. Therefore, a few days before the holiday, it is customary to put cemeteries in order. This is always looked after by a local gathering of residents (mahalla), each of which has its own plot in the cemetery. During the days of Kurban Khait and Ramadan Khait, it is especially noticeable how many ancient local traditions are intertwined with introduced religious ones.
Kurban Hayit lasts three days. At this time, it is customary to visit the oldest relatives and neighbors. In houses where there is a bride, guests are received, whom the daughter-in-law greets by demonstrating “kelin-salom” - a ritual light half-bow from the waist. At the same time, the head and face of the daughter-in-law are covered with a translucent veil. In Uzbek mahallas these days you can see children and teenagers walking from house to house, admiring their smartly dressed daughters-in-law and enjoying sweets from their hands.
