Day of Arafah
Muhammad
Many of the holidays and festivals are based on the Islamic calendar.
Ashura (means "tenth") - Is held on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. Commemoration of the anniversary of the Battle of Karbala, when Husayn ibn Ali, a grandson of Muhammad, was killed. For Shi'a Muslims, it is a period of intense grief and mourning. The event also is observed by many Sunnis, but as a time of remembrance, rather than mourning.
Day of Arafah (day varies) - The culmination of the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. At the break of dawn over two million Muslim pilgrims make their way from Mecca to the nearby hillside Mount Arafat. From sunrise to sunset, Muslim pilgrims stand in earnest prayer and supplication, requesting God's forgiveness.
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) - Tenth day of the month of Dhul Hijja, the last month of the Islamic calendar. The holiday commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Also known in the Bible by Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail to Allah. Ismael was never killed, instead, Allah provided a lamb for the sacrifice. Muslims performing the Haj (pilgrimage to Mecca) sacrifice a lamb, and the meat is given out to the poor. This holiday is celebrated in the same fashion as Eid al-Fitr, people visit friends and families, gifts are exchanged It lasts for three days, and occurs at the conclusion of the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca.
Muslims often start the celebration with a session of congregational prayers to Allah in an open space or mosque. They also pray for the souls of the dead to rest in peace. Moreover, this is a time when they request forgiveness from God and pray for strength and faith. During the celebration, Muslims wear their best clothes. After prayers, people visit each other and enjoy festive servings of special dishes, beverages, and desserts. Children also feast on sweets and relish special gifts from elders.
Liberation Day (February 15) - Afghanistan's liberation from Soviet rule. It is celebrated with programs, and parades.
Mawlid / MAWLEED AL-NABI / The Prophet's Birthday - Twelfth day of the month of Rabi-I in the Islamic calendar. Celebrates the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. As this is also the same day the Prophet Muhammad died, celebrations are limited. On the day of Prophet Muhammad's birthday itself, celebrations include sermons, recitations of litanies, honoring religious dignitaries, giving gifts, and partaking of a feast. Muslims families gather to enjoy the banquet, where abundant food is served to both guests and the poor.
Jeshen / National Day / Independence Day (August 19) - Commemorates the 1919 treaty of Rawalpindi, which granted independence to Afghanistan from British rule.
Nawroze (Vernal Equinox) - Persian New Year that marks the first day of spring.
Ramadan - Is the ninth month is the Islamic calendar. It is observed with fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It was during Ramadan, on the Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power), commemorated on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, that God was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad and he was given the Quran (Islam’s holy book), For Muslims, Ramadan is a period of introspection, communal salat (prayer) in the mosque, and reading of the Quran. God forgives the past sins of those who observe the holy month with fasting, prayer, and faithful intention. Eid-al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) is the month that follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. Many start out the day by wearing new clothes, and going to prayer. Afterwards, people visit or entertain their friends and families. Children usually receive gifts or money called “Eidi”.
"Ramadan": Encyclopedia Britannica
Revolution Day / Victory Day (April 28) - Victory of Afghan Jihad from Soviet rule. It is celebrated with programs, and parades.
Narinj Gul / Orange Blossom Festival (April 13) - The festival began more than 60 years ago and marks the arrival of spring and takes place in Jalalabad. The day is celebrated with music, dancing, poetry readings, and picnics at nearby shrines and under orange trees.
Apple Blossom Festival (April 23) - highlighting the country's blooming apple trees. The main festival takes place in the Chak e Wardak District of Wardak Province on April 23 every year. However, the festival also is celebrated on various dates during late April and early May in other regions of the country such as in the Shekh Ali District of Parwan Province. The day is also celebrated with music and picnics under the apple trees.
