“Sumalak festival”
An integral part of the holiday Navruz, national and universal values “Sumalak festival”. Sumalak is a royal dish of Navruz, a nice and delicious meal.
According to some sources, Sumalak’s history dates back to more than 3000 years and is being prepared in the spring, at the beginning of Navruz. In the historical, literary sources of the period of Amir Temur it is emphasized that the traditions associated with the preparation of sumalak are one of the components of the Navruz holiday.
Such festivities take place on hills, in gardens, large cities, makhallas, guzars and lasts from a week to a month. On the eve of the tasting people thank for the fact that they survived until the spring, they pray for the coming of good, in a kind and blessed year. The festivities continued with singing, celebration and a feast.
Sumalak festival is held through different regions of Uzbekistan in different ways. For example, in the southern territories of the republic Sumalak is held in the foothills of ancient steppes, on large hills, and in large cities Sumalak is held in large fields where people gather. With the purpose of Sumalak, kitchens, tea houses, bakeries were built. At the same time, there are organized Kopkari-ulok, wrestling competitions, folk singers sing national songs, cock, camel, mutton battles, performances of rope-walkers are arranged.
As in any event, sumalak, which is also a special dish of Navruz, is a festive ritual. Preparation of Sumalak is carried out in strict accordance with certain rules. Sumalak is considered a sacred dish.
Sounds music and songs are performed to create a holiday atmosphere at a higher level.
The songs sang the process of making sumalak and joyful mood. According to our tradition, each person, with good intentions, mixes sumalak. Along with Sumalak, during Navruz they prepare national dishes, such as halim, Navruz gudja, and others.
National values and traditions such as sumalak, living for centuries, are closely related to the ancient history and soul of our people and one can see that changes in nature are reflected in their artistic expression.
Such a “Sumalak” celebration was held on April 6 at the Tashkent Pharmaceutical Institute. The rector of the institute: I.Alimdzhanov, all pro-rectors, professors, teachers and employees took part in this event.
Dancing replaced the songs. The tables are set. All participants of the holiday were treated to the plate, this dish is one of the national dishes of the Uzbek people.
On April 7, professors and teachers, staff and students opened up the sumalak and distributed it to the whole team.
