The
most important month of the Islamic calendar
is Ramadan, the ninth month, during which
every Muslim - except the old, young, pregnant
women and the sick - is required to avoid
food, drink from dawn to dusk. The feast of
Eid al-Fitr commences after the month of fasting
ends, on the first day of the month of Shawal.
Celebrations usually last for about three
days. Congregational prayers are held in mosques,
after which Afghans visit their friends and
relatives. New clothes, especially for the
children, are made, and food is prepared.
Eid
al-Adha (Eid-e-Qurban) |
Once
the fasting month and ensuring celebrations
have ended, it is time for those planning
to perform their pilgrimage to Mecca to start
preparations for their journey. The hajj,
takes place in the 12th month of the Muslim
calendar, the rituals being performed in Mecca
between the 7th and 10th days. The feast of
Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day
of the month. Animals, such as sheep, goats,
and camels, are sacrificed, especially by
those who have already performed the hajj.
This commemorates the slaying of a sheep,
instead of Isaac, as a sacrifice by his father
Abraham, at the command of the Allah. One
third of the slaughtered animal is used by
the family, another third is distributed to
relatives and the rest is given to the poor.
Literally
meaning a new day. Nau Roz is the first day
of spring and of the Afghan solar calendar,
and falls on March 21st. This festival dates
back to the time when Zoroastrianism was still
a powerful religion, long before Islam arrived
in Afghanistan. During the celebrations, lavish
meals are prepared in Afghan homes. Two dishes,
Samanak and haft-mehwah are specially cooked
for the occasion. Samanak, a dessert like
made of wheat and sugar, can take more than
two days to prepare. Haft-mehwah consists
of seven fruits and nuts to symbolize spring:
walnuts, almonds, pistachios, red and green
raisins, dried apricots, and a local fruit
known as sanjit.
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 familiy.
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.
Labour Day
