Intergovernmental commission on protection of intangible cultural heritage will consider application of Uzbekistan on palov at its session in Addis-Abeba (Ethiopia) from 28 November to 2 December.

The application of Uzbekistan said that palov culture and tradition is practiced among all socio-cultural entities living in rural and urban areas of Uzbekistan: families, local communities, professional associations, cooking instructors, musicians and traditional handicrafts artisans.

Almost each family and local community (9756 mahallas – local self governing community), numerous professional associations are active in preservation, creative development and transmission of the nominated element to future generation. There are nation-wide common features in Palov culture and tradition (healthy meal, sense of community, hospitality, sharing and charity actions) despite to the varieties of cooking technologies or music performances in each community or region.

Palov culture and tradition originated many centuries ago, spread out within all territory of Uzbekistan. Differences of agriculture environment made an impact on regional diversity related with ingredients and cooking technologies. However, key Palov ingredients are the same: plant oil, meat, onion, carrot, rice, spices and water.

The nominated element practiced during traditional rituals (weddings, birthday parties, circumcision, funerals), week cycle of family daily life (at least one or two days), charity events organized in each family, local community or public food enterprises. Every cultural and educational establishment in Uzbekistan (schools, universities, libraries, museums, etc.) practicing element during folk and public holidays.

The committee will also discuss inclusion of Navruz to the list. Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan proposed to include the spring holiday to the list.