Festivals in Afghanistan

Discover traditional festivals and celebrations of this country

Asia / Western Asia/Middle East

Festivals

Nowruz

Season or date: Around March 21

Solar New Year. Celebrated with family meals, kite flying, and preparing Haft Mewa (seven fruits).

Eid al-Fitr

Season or date: 1st of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar

Festival marking the end of Ramadan. People visit relatives in new clothes and distribute sweets and money to children.

Eid al-Adha

Season or date: 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar

Festival of Sacrifice. Animals are slaughtered and shared with the poor, commemorating Abraham's devotion.

Independence Day

Season or date: August 19

National celebration commemorating victory in the Third Anglo-Afghan War of 1919. Features fireworks and military parades.

Liberation Day

Season or date: February 15

Holiday commemorating the complete withdrawal of Soviet forces in 1989.

Mawlid (Prophet's Birthday)

Season or date: 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal in the Islamic calendar

Religious observance celebrating Prophet Muhammad's birth. Features Quran recitations and hospitality.

Public holidays

  • Nowruz
  • Independence Day
  • Liberation Day
  • Eid al-Fitr
  • Eid al-Adha

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