Afghanistan Day 2023: Afghanistan Day or Nowruz occurs annually on March 21. The festival celebrates both the commencement of spring and the Afghan New Year. Farvardin, or the first month of the Solar Hijri calendar, begins on this date, which is typically the 20th or 21st of March. People of Persian descent around the world enthusiastically celebrate Nowruz. A time for indulging with friends and family. Nowruz is one of the few tangible connections for many Afghans living abroad to the homeland they once knew. As much as today is about food and gathering, it is also about nostalgia and resistance.
Since ancient times, Nowruz celebrations have been central to Afghan culture and daily life. The celebrations are rooted in the Zoroastrian tradition followed by Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, among other nations. Nowruz, which means “new day” in Persian, marks the beginning of spring and the Afghan new year.
Today signifies the end of winter and the beginning of longer, sunnier days. Nowruz represents the revival of nature, and with it, the rebirth of the Afghan people. In spring, daffodils in the country begin to bloom on cue. In Afghanistan, these gorgeous flowers represent purity, love, romance, and passion – all springtime-appropriate emotions. Additionally, tulips are the country’s national blossom.
Nowruz is a celebration that has been passed down from generation to generation. You’ll discover that Nowruz is interpreted differently in each historical period. One thing has remained constant throughout the ages: Afghans consider the celebration a sacred and shared heritage. Thousands of people from all over the country have gathered at the mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif to celebrate today.
On the eve of Nowruz, families in Afghanistan celebrate with feasts and ceremonies. Everyone engages in house or yard cleansing. The markets are teeming with individuals purchasing new clothing and sustenance. No purchasing trip is complete without the purchase of dried sweets, fruits, and nuts, which are essential to the festivities. Numerous individuals prefer to relocate during Nowruz because it is considered fortunate.
Nowruz has taken on a new significance for those who have been uprooted from their homeland. Traditionally, the celebrations are about regeneration and renewal. Today, many Afghans view it as one of the few remaining connections to a different Afghanistan — a glorious culture in danger of extinction.
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Nowruz is commemorated with a traditional feast. Try the ‘make’ or the fried freshwater fish and the ‘sabzi challah’ (lamb and spinach stew).
Pay homage to the national flower of Afghanistan. Bring a bouquet of tulips inside to brighten your residence.
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Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | March 21 | Tuesday |
2024 | March 21 | Thursday |
2025 | March 21 | Friday |
2026 | March 21 | Saturday |
2027 | March 21 | Sunday |