Traditionally nomadic people, the Kyrgyz, have many legends, myths, songs, stories and customs.
One of the most important Muslim traditions is “Sunnot toi”, the circumcision ritual. Boys between 3 and 5 years of age have to go through it. “It is considered to be one of the happiest and most important events in a boy’s life” (Nomad’s Dream). There is a big celebration and relatives and friends are invited.
In the beginning of September the Jannat Regency in Bishkek was alive with late night parties. Live entertainment, lots of food and drinks, nicely dressed people, flowers, dance, music and beautiful women. The area was like a magnet for some other guests from the hotel. Mostly for the curious ones with time on their hands, the ones that did not need to sleep just yet.
Each evening, up into the late night hours, the party was on. Out in the open air, by the nicely decorated pool three nights in the row we witnessed some event going on. One was a wedding, on one I still do not know the occasion, but by far the richest and fanciest was the “sunnot toi”. Three boys were celebrated and a picture of them together, wearing white clothes, was permanently displayed during the party on a huge projection screen above the stage. The pool was decorated with floating bouquets of flowers and the live entertainment was great. There were singers and dancers from many nationalities and music and dance in different traditions. Even a Michael Jackson impersonator was present.
Not invited as guests of the party, but as guests of the hotel, my colleagues and I could still stand around, enjoy the entertainment and take pictures. I do wonder, since no one bothered us at all, if anyone would have asked anything had we sat at a table. Just joking! Not that gutsy yet! Another fear to conquer!? Hee! Hee!
