Festival in Afghanistan

The meaning of festival: 1- a day or period of celebration, typically for religious reasons. 2- an organized series of concerts, plays, or films, typically one held annually in the same place

The Afghans have always celebrated their festivals with dollops of enthusiasm. Afghan festivals can broadly be categorised into three types: Traditional, National and Religious. Nauroz is the largest and best known festival of Afghanistan. Jeshyn- Afghan Day, a national day, is observed on 19August. Most Afghans have adopted Islam as their religion and celebrate all their religious festivals with devotion and zeal.

Popular Festivals Ashura Nau Roz (New year Festival) Mawleed al Nabi (Birthday of Prophet Muhammad) Labour Day Jeshyn-Afghan Day Ramadan Eid e Fitr (End of Ramadan) Eid e Qurban

Ashura 10th Day of the month of Muharram Musharram commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Hussain or Husayn bin Ali, whom Shias regard as the rightful successor the Prophet. Muharram is the first month month day of Islamic calendar. Ashura is the tenth day of this month of mourning.

Nau Roz (New year Festival) January-March (Date variable according to Islamic calendar) Nau Roz is the largest and best known festival in Afghanistan, particularly in Mazar e Sharif, where it is called Gul e Sorkh. Buzkashi matches are held. People play music and dance. Farmers express their joy for the produce.

Mawleed al Nabi (Birthday of Prophet Muhammad) March-May (Date variable according to Islamic calendar) People offer special prayers in the mosques and remember the reverred Prophet. They also visit or entertain family and friends.

Special food in Nowroze

Eid e Fitr (End of Ramadan) October-December (Date variable according to Islamic calendar) After month long fasting people enjoy the feast of Eid ul Fitr. People pray collectively in mosques, and then go to meet their friends and relatives. They wear new clothes and eat sweet dishes.

Eid e Qurban December-February (Date variable according to Islamic calendar) Eid e Qurban marks the commencement of Haj or Muslim pilgrimage. Animals like sheep, goats or camels are sacrificed for the feast of Eid e Qurban.

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