Located approximately in the center of Asia, the landlocked country of Afghanistan is a land of Festivals. There are abundant Tourist Attractions in Afghanistan and Festivals in Afghanistan are part of them.
Afghans’ love of social events, with music and an abundance of food, is best seen at the numerous Festivals of Afghanistan. Some of the popular Festivals in Afghanistan are:
Ashura
The Shi’a Muslim festival is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar. It is a day of bereavement for the martyr Husayn bin Ali, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. He was regarded as the rightful successor of the Muhammad by the Shi’a.
Eid al Fitr
After a month of fasting, the Afghan people celebrate with new clothes, prayers and gifts.
Eid al Adha
It is celebrated on the 10th day of the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. This festival memorializes the devotion of Prophet Abraham to God through his willingness to slay his son Ismael as a sacrifice, and involves sacrifices of lambs or goats which are then given to the poor.
Independence Day (Jesham)
19th August commemorates independence of Afghanistan from the British Empire.
Labor Day
This festival is held on 1st May. It features picnics with music and dancing by the men.
Mawleed al Nabi
It is held on the 12th day of the month of Rabi al Awal of the Islamic calendar. On this particular day people attend prayers, remember the Prophet Muhammad and visit or entertain friends and family.
Nau Roz
Nau Roz, the New Year Festival is the largest festival and held throughout the country but especially popular in Mazar e Sharif, where the festivities have been well-known to last for up to 10 days. It is also known as Gul e Sorkh by the people of Mazar. Traditionally Nau Roz is a time when prizes and medals are offered to the artists for their achievements and to the farmers for their production. At this time buzkashi games are held in the stadium and picnics go on until late at night, with abundant music and dancing in the parks and open grounds around shrines.
Ramadan
During the season of Ramadan, Afghans fast during daylight hours.
Apart from them, major regional Festivals in Afghanistan include
Apple Blossom Festival
Mushaira
Online information on Festivals in Afghanistan is provided by travel.mapsofworld.
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