Nauroz
Nauroz (literally new day) is the traditional Afghan New Year’s Day also known as “Farmer’s Day”. It is the most ancient festival in Afghanistan and is also practiced in Iran. Held on March 21st, it corresponds to the first day of spring and is actually the first day of the Afghan Calendar, which is based on the solar year.
In terms of the Nauroz celebration – people dressed in traditional clothes made or bought just for the occasion – visit family members, friends and neighbors. Many people participate in tree-planting ceremonies held across towns and cities.
Family and friends getting together for many different kinds of activities such as games or going on picnics also mark Nauroz. Young men take part in traditional games like the Buzkashi. Kite-flying, a very popular pastime in Afghanistan is also practiced by both adults and children. Beautifully-constructed kites, in different sizes and colours dot the typically blue cloudless skies. Kite-flying is also a popular competition.
The celebration is also marked by traditional music and dance. One of the most famous songs heard during Nauroz is “Mullah Mohammad Jan”, an Afghan love story. The Atan, a traditional Afghan dance is usually performed toward the end of the festivities. People form a circle to dance while rhythmically clapping their hands. This dance begins slowly and gradually builds up speed up to a climatic end.
Another equally important aspect of Nauroz is Haft Mehwah (a cocktail mix of seven dried fruits soaked in water) which is prepared less than a week before for this special occasion.
“Nauroz Mobarak” (Happy Nauroz)is what people say to each other.