The Doodle of today honours Mustaqillik Kuni, also known as Uzbekistan National Day, which celebrates the country's 1991 separation from the Soviet Union. The Republic of Uzbekistan approved a new constitution and the present national flag after gaining independence, which is shown in today's Google Doodle. The first Independence Day celebrations took place on this day in 1992 when the movie Istiqlol (Independence) made its cinematic debut in the nation's capital, Tashkent. Later same evening, in Independence Square, then-president Islam Karimov delivered a speech praising the country's freedom. Since then, it has become a yearly custom for Uzbek presidents to give a statement on National Day honouring the dignity of the nation. Today, folks gather in Uzbekistan's cities to take part in huge celebrations. The major event is held at the recently opened Yangi O'zbekiston Park, where attendees can take part in a lively fair as locals perform traditional Uzbek dances and play folk music. Happy Independence Day, Uzbekistan!