Memorial plov (palov) is the centerpiece of ehson, the Muslim 40-day and anniversary gathering in Uzbekistan. This is the practical guide.
Volume. Small ehson 50–80 portions (close relatives + mahalla neighbours). Medium 100–200. Large 300–500 (socially prominent person, big Uzbek family + mahalla). Very rarely 1000+.
Cooking. A professional oshpaz. 5–10 well-known oshpaz in Tashkent specialize in memorial plov; each district mahalla has its own. Book 2–3 weeks ahead, 1 month for 100+ portions. Cost: $1.5–3 per portion (with ingredients) + $100–300 day labour. 100 portions ≈ $250–600.
Venue. Family courtyard at private homes (the norm). City apartments use a neighbour's or relative's yard, or rent the mahalla guzar.
Served with plov: non bread piles, seasonal fruit (grapes, pomegranate, melon, watermelon), dried fruits, nuts, herbs, shurpa (light dish for elders), tea. No alcohol — strict.
Seating. Men and women separate — the rule, especially in traditional families. Modern urban families sometimes mix, but for large ehson always separate. Traditional sandal tables with cushions where available.
Program. ~1 hour of Quran recitation by multiple reciters; brief words from elder or mullah; plov and meal 1–2 hours; gradual departure.
Remote coordination. The diaspora family gives us: date, expected guests, contact of the responsible relative in Uzbekistan. We line up oshpaz, venue, Quran reciters, and report by photo/video.
Cost. Basic remote package (oshpaz + venue + reciters + photos) $400–800 for 100 guests + ingredient costs. Expanded (flowers, table linens, decor) $800–1500. Full event-manager package $1500–3000.
Frequently asked questions
Canonically yes — what matters is the Quran recitation and the gathering itself. In practice in Uzbekistan plov is almost always served; for small ehson a light meal without plov is an alternative.