[1] When Uzbekistan was part of the Soviet Union, celebrations of Navruz were generally unofficial, and at times even prohibited.

Navruz widely celebrated on a vast territory of Central Asia and ritual practice acquired its special features.

In the Emirate of Bukhara, a broad official celebration of Navruz was started by Muzaffar bin Nasrullah, who sought to strengthen the image of the Manghud dynasty during the crisis of political legitimacy.

To prepare sumalak friends, relatives, and neighbors – usually women – gather around the kazan, all taking a turn to stir the mixture.

It has been noted that after Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991, government officials have promoted Navruz as a main national holiday and have tightly controlled the content and form of the festivities.