Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide - Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year's Day.
7 Jan Russian Orthodox Christmas.
8 Mar International Women's Day.
21 Mar Nooruz (Krygyz New Year).
1 May Labour Day.
5 May Constitution Day.
9 May Victory Day.
31 Aug Independence Day. 
2 Oct Orozo Ait (end of Ramadan). 
9 Dec Kurban Ait (Feast of the Sacrifice).

2009
1 Jan New Year's Day.
7 Jan Russian Orthodox Christmas.
8 Mar International Women's Day.
21 Mar Nooruz (Krygyz New Year).
1 May Labour Day.
5 May Constitution Day.
9 May Victory Day.
31 Aug Independence Day. 
21 Sep Orozo Ait (end of Ramadan). 
28 Nov Kurban Ait (Feast of the Sacrifice).

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Orozo Ait, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Orozo Ait itself. Orozo Ait and Kurban Ait may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region.