Nomads

To to the nomadic way of life there are many traditions preserved and followed by people even nowadays.

Nomads have many interesting legends, myths, songs, stories and customs that are connected with Kambar-ata who is the mystical patron of horses. One of them is a tradition named "Atka mingizuu" that means "to put on a horse". A father teaches his son at the age of 3-4 years on a horse and gives him the rein for the first time. After this the most respectful old wise man of the clan takes reins and instigates to lead the horse with the child along ail the village. In the honor of having this ritual parents organize a cheerful party. Aksakals (elder people) give their blessing s. In previous days it was one of the most important traditions in Kyrgyzstan. 

The next most important Muslim rituals is "balany oturguzuu" or ceremonial of circumcision. It is a big celebration for Kyrgyz families. When a boy is 3-5 year old he must go through this rite. All relatives and friends are requested to this ceremony. Sometimes the celebration with a lot of food lasts for a few days; guests play national games such as ulak tartysh (goat goal), at chabysh (horse races), er oodarysh (wrestling on a horse), etc. Invited guests usually bring gifts for the boy. The most valuable gift is a horse it may cost around 1,5 thousand USD. Even nowadays it is one of the incomes of transportation in rural areas.
People from Kyrgyzstan think that the future of a child in many cases may depend on his name. That is why parents try to choose for their child such a name which brings him happiness, luck, and honor. This tradition was accepted from Muslim religion.The beginning of ritual is accompanied by azan, a ritual muslim praying.  A man turns to the west and pronounces three times "Allah Akbar!" and then the name of the newborn child. It is done to inform people about new person who came into our world. The celebration goes very cheerfully. Gathered guests sincerely acknowledge parents and wish that the name will bring the child only happiness and luck.

Birth of a child for Kyrgyz, like for the other cultures is real happiness and the greatest celebration. After giving name to a child there is a special tradition in Kyrgyzstan named "beshik toi" or cradle celebration. Parents prepare a lot of food. During the celebration people sing songs, play games and have fun. Rendering to the tradition parents from the mother's side should prepare a bed for a cradle. A cradle is spread with oil and smoked with juniper to chase away evil spirits. Noble grandmothers take left and right small sheep knuckle bones and lay them on the bottom of the cradle. They say praying while doing that. Then they cover the cradle with beautiful blankets and coverlets. Also they were depicting different colorful on it. After this the cradle is given to the mother of a child. She goes with the cradle and bows to all guests expressing her gratitude.

From ancient time Kyrgyz people valued the spiritual wishes and blessings especially given from the elder people. Blessing can encourage people and give them more hope and energy. Usually the infants and adolescents are blessed by appreciated people  called as aksakals or noble baibiche, elderly men and women. Blessings are given for a good beginning of new affair.

Find some useful information for trip to Kyrgyzstan here:

Manas complex
Lenin Peak
Hiking in Ala Archa gorge
Konorchek canyons
Horse riding in Chon Kemin gorge