Nowruz celebration in Afghanistan

You might be surprised but Christmas is not the only new year tradition which is observed across the world; Nowruz is, too.

Nowruz, or the Persian New Year, with its Iranian origins, is a two-week-long tradition of joyful experiences, loving moments and connectedness, and is celebrated in many countries besides Iran, including Afghanistan.

Usually falling on or around March 21 on the Gregorian calendar, the tradition is over 3,000 years old and spans across various cultures with their many nuances in how they come together to mark the start of a new year; and it’s no different with Afghanistan and how the country celebrates Nowruz. There are some similarities, but also some differences between Afghan and Iranian versions of Nowruz celebrations, which make the occasion all the more interesting to observe.

Of course, not all ethnic groups in Afghanistan celebrate Nowruz, but many do. Much like Iran, Afghan people start preparing for the new year (starting on the first day of the Afghan month Hamal) a few days beforehand, mostly after Chaharshanbe Suri, which is the eve of the last Wednesday before the turn of the year, and practically the last tradition of the ending year, which both Afghans and Iranians observe.