The religious Holidays and Cultural days that are celebrated are Independence Day and New Year’s Day. Afghans also attend special prayer days and other religious days according to the Lunar Calendar. . During the celebrations, lavish meals are prepared. Samanak and haft-mehwah are two dishes that are specially cooked for the occasion and they consists of seven fruits and nuts and take two days to prepare (Tobey, 2014). Samanak is a dessert made of wheat and. Fruits and nuts that symbolize the coming of spring. Some of the important religious days are
(Afghanistan Online , 2014)
(Afghanistan Online , 2014)
EID AL-FITR
Day: After a month of Fasting (Ramadan).
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".
Day: After a month of Fasting (Ramadan).
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".
This YouTube video is a religious/praying side of the EID AL-FITR Festival.
EID AL-ADHA
Day: Tenth day of the twelfth month of the Islamic (Hijra) calendar.
The day commemorates the Prophet Abraham's devotion to God. He was willing to slay his son Ismael as a sacrifice. 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, etc.
Day: Tenth day of the twelfth month of the Islamic (Hijra) calendar.
The day commemorates the Prophet Abraham's devotion to God. He was willing to slay his son Ismael as a sacrifice. 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, etc.
ASHURA
Day: Tenth day of the month Muharram in the Islamic calendar.
This is a day of mourning. It commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussain and his followers at the battle of Kerbala.
Day: Tenth day of the month Muharram in the Islamic calendar.
This is a day of mourning. It commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussain and his followers at the battle of Kerbala.
MAWLEED AL-NABI
Day: The 12th day of the month Rabi al-Awal in the Islamic calendar.
On this day, people celebrate Prophet Muhammad's birthday. They attend prayers, remember Muhammad, and entertain/visit friends and family.
NOWROZE
Day: March 21
This is the first day of spring (New Year's Day for the solar calendar).
Day: March 21
This is the first day of spring (New Year's Day for the solar calendar).
JESHEN
Day: August 19
August 19 marks Afghan Independence Day. Even though, Afghanistan was never a British colony, the British did have control of its foreign policy due to an agreement signed by a former Afghan King. The Third Anglo-Afghan War ended this agreement.