Afghanistan Public Holidays
Afghanistan Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Afghanistan? All public holidays in Afghanistan are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Afghanistan employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Afghanistan and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Afghanistan’s public holidays reflect the country’s deep-rooted Islamic traditions, its historical milestones, and the cultural diversity within its regions. Many holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar, which means that their dates shift annually according to the moon’s cycles. These holidays are observed with religious ceremonies, family gatherings, and national events.
Religious Holidays
Islam plays a central role in Afghan culture and society, and most public holidays are based on Islamic traditions. The majority of Afghans follow Sunni Islam, with a minority following Shia Islam, and both sects observe similar religious holidays. These holidays are often marked by prayer, fasting, feasting, and acts of charity.
Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast)
- Date: Varies (1st of Shawwal, after Ramadan)
- Significance: Celebrates the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting.
- Traditions:
- The holiday begins with the Salat al-Eid (Eid prayer), which is performed in large gatherings at mosques or open spaces. The prayer is a special ritual to thank God for the strength to complete Ramadan.
- Families prepare for Eid by wearing new or their best clothes and sharing festive meals with loved ones. Traditional foods include lamb, rice dishes, and various sweets like halwa and jalebi.
- Acts of charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr, are an essential part of the celebration, with donations given to those in need to allow everyone to join in the holiday spirit.
- Children often receive gifts or money from elders, and families visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings of peace and happiness.
Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)
- Date: Varies (10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, coinciding with the Hajj pilgrimage)
- Significance: Commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, later replaced by a ram.
- Traditions:
- The day begins with the Salat al-Eid prayer, similar to Eid al-Fitr, followed by the ritual sacrifice of an animal, usually a sheep or goat, symbolizing Ibrahim’s devotion.
- The meat from the sacrifice is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends and relatives, and one for those in need.
- Families gather for large feasts, and it is common to visit neighbors, relatives, and friends to share food and celebrate together.
- The holiday reinforces themes of charity, community, and devotion, and many Afghans donate generously to help those less fortunate during Eid al-Adha.
Islamic New Year (Nowruz in some regions)
- Date: Varies (1st of Muharram, Islamic lunar calendar)
- Significance: Marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year.
- Traditions:
- While the Islamic New Year is not as widely celebrated as Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, it is recognized with prayers and moments of reflection on the year ahead.
- Afghans often take this time to gather with family, visit the mosque, and contemplate the past year’s achievements and challenges.
- In some regions, particularly among the Shia minority, the first ten days of Muharram are marked by mourning rituals, culminating in the observance of Ashura, which commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein.
Ashura
- Date: Varies (10th of Muharram)
- Significance: For Shia Muslims, Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala.
- Traditions:
- Ashura is a day of mourning for Shia Muslims in Afghanistan, particularly in cities like Kabul and Herat, where Shia communities hold public processions, reenactments of the battle, and mourning rituals.
- Participants often engage in self-flagellation or chest-beating as an expression of grief and solidarity with Imam Hussein’s suffering.
- For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is observed differently, often with fasting and prayers to commemorate the day when Prophet Moses and the Israelites were saved from the Pharaoh’s army by the parting of the Red Sea.
National Holidays
In addition to religious holidays, Afghanistan observes several national holidays that celebrate its history, independence, and the country’s key moments. These holidays are often marked by official ceremonies, parades, and events that reflect national pride.
Independence Day (Ruz-e-Istiqlal)
- Date: August 19
- Significance: Celebrates Afghanistan’s independence from British influence in 1919 following the Third Anglo-Afghan War.
- Traditions:
- Independence Day is a day of national pride and is marked with patriotic displays, parades, and official speeches from government leaders.
- In the capital, Kabul, a military parade is often held, with national flags flying throughout the country. Afghans take the day to reflect on the country’s sovereignty and resilience.
- The holiday is also an occasion for family gatherings, and many people celebrate with picnics, barbecues, and outdoor activities.
Afghanistan National Day (Victory Day)
- Date: April 28
- Significance: Commemorates the Mujahideen victory over the Soviet-backed government in 1992, marking the end of the Soviet-Afghan War.
- Traditions:
- National Day is celebrated with official ceremonies, military parades, and speeches commemorating the sacrifices made by Afghan fighters during the Soviet occupation.
- The day honors those who fought for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and is often marked by patriotic displays, cultural events, and public celebrations.
Martyrs’ Day
- Date: September 9
- Significance: Commemorates the death of Ahmad Shah Massoud, an Afghan national hero and military leader who was assassinated in 2001, and honors the sacrifices of all those who have died in the defense of Afghanistan.
- Traditions:
- Martyrs’ Day is observed with solemn ceremonies, wreath-laying at monuments, and speeches by political and military leaders.
- It is a day of reflection and remembrance for Afghans, especially in regions where Massoud’s legacy is highly respected, such as the Panjshir Valley.
Cultural and Seasonal Holidays
Afghanistan is home to diverse cultural and ethnic groups, and certain holidays reflect the country’s pre-Islamic traditions or regional customs. These holidays are often tied to the changing of the seasons or ancient cultural practices.
Nowruz (Persian New Year)
- Date: March 21 (spring equinox)
- Significance: Nowruz marks the beginning of spring and the Persian New Year, celebrated by many ethnic groups in Afghanistan, including the Tajiks, Hazaras, and Uzbeks.
- Traditions:
- Nowruz is celebrated with joyous family gatherings, feasting, music, and dancing. Traditional foods, such as sabzi polo (herbed rice) and sweets, are prepared.
- People clean their homes in preparation for the holiday, a tradition known as khaneh tekani, symbolizing a fresh start for the new year.
- In Mazar-i-Sharif, the Blue Mosque is the site of the famous Guli Surkh festival, where thousands gather to celebrate Nowruz with flower displays, public performances, and sports competitions.
- Nowruz is a time for Afghans to celebrate renewal, nature, and hope for the future, despite the country’s tumultuous history.
Farmer’s Day (Kishwar Day)
- Date: March 22
- Significance: Celebrates Afghanistan’s agricultural heritage and recognizes the contributions of farmers to the country’s economy.
- Traditions:
- Farmer’s Day is marked by agricultural fairs and exhibitions, where farmers showcase their crops, livestock, and innovations in farming techniques.
- Government officials and agricultural experts often attend these events to offer support and highlight the importance of the agricultural sector to Afghanistan’s development.
- The day provides a platform for celebrating the rural communities that form the backbone of Afghanistan’s economy and society.
