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In Bishkek, they are preparing sumolek — the symbol of Nowruz

Марина Онегина • • Exclusive
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In Bishkek, they are preparing sumolek — the symbol of Nowruz







In the Lenin district of Bishkek, at the initiative of the 102nd municipal territorial administration, the preparation of sumolek, a traditional dish associated with the Nowruz holiday, has begun.

According to tradition, before preparing the main dish, boorsoks are first baked.

Women, dressed in elecheke, began to add the necessary ingredients to the cauldron for sumolek while expressing wishes and receiving blessings.

First, the juice of sprouted wheat is poured into the cauldron, which is thoroughly mixed, and then, according to tradition, 41 stones are placed at the bottom.

As explained by one of the participants in the process, Kiyalbyubu Alymbaeva, the wheat must be sprouted in advance. On the day of preparation, it is crushed and the juice is squeezed out, to which dried fruits are added. The stones are also placed at the bottom of the cauldron.

Sumolek is cooked for 12 hours, after which it is covered and left to steep for 4–5 hours. It can only be opened after this time.

“Every time we add ingredients or perform any work, we express wishes. People wish for peace, prosperity, and abundance,” she added.
According to Anarkul Kasymova, head of the 102nd municipal territorial administration of the Lenin district, this is their first experience in preparing sumolek.

“Today is a special day for us. We are excited and hope to continue this tradition in the future by teaching young girls,” Kasymova noted.
It should be noted that preparations for Nowruz with the cooking of sumolek are also underway in other regions of the country.

We remind you that on March 21, a republican celebration of Nowruz will take place in the city of Naryn, during which a contest for the best preparation of sumolek will be held. Representatives from all districts of the Naryn region will participate in this event, and 40 cauldrons of this dish will be cooked. The prize fund will be 100,000 soms for the first place, 50,000 soms for the second, and 30,000 soms for the third.
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