Event in Afghanistan, No.3

We will explain how to celebrate New Year in Afghanistan.

On March 21st, there is a New year Celebration event that is called “Nawroz” (in Dari language, naw means new and roz means sun). In Afghanistan, the day is also defined as a day for agriculture and certification by the United Nations. Iran and other central Asian countries also celebrate this day.

Nawroz in Afghanistan has its own tradition. They have a house-cleaning that is called “Khana takani”. They also prepare special meals called Samanak and Haft Miwa. Haft Miwa is assorted dry fruits with pistachios, almonds, apricots, walnuts, hazelnuts, raisins etc. Samanak is cooked with fresh wheat germs.

Gul Surkh is a festival that is held in Mazar-e-Sharif, which is close to the boarder of Uzbekistan. It is held in the beginning of 30 days of the year. During the period, red flowers bloom everywhere. People from around Afghanistan visit Mazar-e-Sharif and enjoy Jenda Bala (waving flag) and Buz Kashi. This is their national sport, where players carry dead cows and goats called Buz to the goal. It is like polo.

Zuhra Afshar

Field officer,

JEN Afghan Office

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