Afghanistan celebrates Nowruz, the Ancient Aryan (Arrina) New Year in Balkh, with profound enthusiasm and cultural pride. Marking the arrival of spring and the first day of the solar calendar, Nowruz embodies themes of renewal, unity, and gratitude. Rooted in ancient Zoroastrian traditions, the festival has evolved over centuries, reflecting Afghanistan’s unique position as a crossroads of civilizations along the Silk Road.
Cultural Traditions of Nowruz in Afghanistan
Haft Mewa: The Sweet Taste of Prosperity
One of the most iconic traditions is preparing Haft Mewa (Seven Fruits), a dish made by soaking dried fruits—raisins, almonds, pistachios, walnuts, apricots, and more—in syrup. This symbolic treat represents harmony, prosperity, and the sweetness of life.
Family and Community Gatherings
Nowruz is a time for family and community gatherings. Families come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and visit elders to pay respect. Hospitality, or melmastia (میلمستیا ,(a cornerstone of Afghan culture, shines during these celebrations as homes open their doors to guests and neighbors.
Jashn-e-Dehqani (The Farmer’s Celebration)
In rural Afghanistan, Nowruz marks the start of the agricultural season. Farmers hold rituals and celebrations to pray for a bountiful harvest, reflecting the deep connection between Afghan traditions and nature.
Samanak Night: A Communal Ritual
The preparation of Samanak (a sweet wheat pudding) is a communal event. Women gather to cook, sing, and strengthen social bonds around a pot of simmering pudding. This overnight ritual fosters solidarity and celebrates the strength of collective effort.
Special Meals
Culinary traditions play a key role in Nowruz. Dishes like Sabzi Chalaw (spinach rice) are enjoyed, along with other seasonal delicacies.
Buzkashi Matches
In some regions, the thrilling national sport of Buzkashi—where horsemen compete to carry a goat carcass to a goal—adds excitement to the festivities. The game symbolizes endurance, strength, and unity.
Pilgrimages to Sacred Sites and the Guli Surkh Festival
Pilgrimages to shrines, such as the Blue Mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif, are integral to Nowruz. The Guli Surkh (Red Flower) Festival celebrates the blooming of tulips and includes the Jhenda Bala ceremony, where a sacred flag is hoisted to signal the start of spring.
Tree Planting and Cleaning Homes
Many Afghans mark the new year by planting trees, cleaning their homes, and wearing new clothes. These acts symbolize renewal, hope, and a fresh start.
The Silk Road and Nowruz
Afghanistan’s Cultural Significance: A Crossroads of Civilizations
Afghanistan’s central location on the ancient Silk Road shaped its traditions, including the celebration of Nowruz. The deeper meanings of these customs reflect Afghanistan’s role as a hub of exchange and cultural diversity.
Afghanistan’s rich history as a meeting point for traders and travelers brought diverse influences— Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Islamic, and even Hellenistic—into its culture. Nowruz, with its universal themes of renewal and unity, reflects this tapestry of traditions.
Hospitality and Unity
The Silk Road fostered a culture of hospitality, which endures in Afghan society. Shared meals like Haft Mewa and communal gatherings echo the values of respect and cooperation that made Afghanistan a welcoming stop for travelers.
Nature and Renewal
Many Nowruz rituals, such as celebrating the agricultural season and planting trees, highlight Afghanistan’s deep connection to the environment. These customs underscore the role of nature as a source of life and inspiration for Silk Road communities.
Resilience and Continuity
Despite invasions and upheavals, Afghans have preserved traditions like Nowruz as symbols of cultural resilience. These customs connect modern-day Afghans to their ancestors and reflect the enduring spirit of a nation at the heart of the Silk Road.
Spirituality and Sacred Spaces
Shrines and sacred spaces along the Silk Road, such as the Blue Mosque, were spiritual waypoints for travelers. The Guli Surkh Festival and Jhenda Bala ceremony link spiritual renewal with the celebration of life and community. Strengthening Bonds Through Tradition The preparation of Haft Mewa often involves the entire family. Mothers, daughters, and grandmothers gather to soak and mix the fruits, sharing stories, laughter, and blessings. This ritual strengthens family bonds and ensures the transmission of cultural knowledge to younger generations.
Unity in Celebrations
A key tradition during Nowruz is visiting elders to seek blessings and express gratitude. Families exchange gifts such as sweets and fruit, symbolizing respect and care. Neighbors share dishes, reinforcing community ties and ensuring no one feels excluded.
The Guli Surkh Festival
The Guli Surkh Festival is a communal celebration where families picnic, children fly kites, and traditional music fills the air. This event symbolizes the unity and resilience of Afghan communities, where shared joy overcomes individual struggles.
Acts of Generosity
During Nowruz, wealthier families often share food and clothing with those in need, ensuring everyone participates in the festivities. This act of generosity reflects the Afghan value of jawani (compassion).
Visual and Artistic Expressions
Traditional Attire
• Men: Perahan tunban (long shirt and trousers) paired with embroidered waistcoats, and in rural areas, turbans or pakol headpieces.
• Women: Vibrantly colored dresses adorned with intricate embroidery, beadwork, and metallic threads. Jewelry, such as silver necklaces and bangles, adds elegance.
• Children: New clothes symbolize renewal and hope for the year ahead.
Decorations
• Haft Mewa Table: Adorned with dried fruits, fresh flowers, candles, and decorative cloths, the table reflects abundance and renewal.
• Homes and Streets: Homes are cleaned and decorated with colorful rugs and cushions, while streets are adorned with flowers, banners, and crafts.
• Shrines and Mosques: Sacred sites like the Blue Mosque are decorated with banners and flowers, highlighting the spiritual and communal essence of Nowruz.
Performances
• Music and Dance: Traditional instruments like the dambura (lute) and tabla (drums) accompany the attan dance, symbolizing joy and unity.
• Poetry Recitations: Verses by Rumi and Khushal Khan Khattak, celebrating love and renewal, are recited in family and community gatherings.
• Buzkashi Matches: These intense games symbolize strength and the communal spirit of Afghan culture.
Nowruz embodies values that resonate beyond the festivities:
• Global Connection: Afghan customs honor the interconnectedness of humanity, rooted in the Silk Road’s legacy.
• Cultural Preservation: Celebrating Nowruz keeps Afghan heritage alive and vibrant.
• Hope and Renewal: The themes of spring renewal reflect optimism and resilience, essential to Afghan identity.
Nowruz in Afghanistan is more than a celebration; it is a vibrant expression of the nation’s culture, history, and spirit. Through its rich traditions, the festival fosters unity, preserves heritage, and connects families and communities in a shared embrace of renewal and hope.
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This article was contributed by Dr. Mohammad Halim Tanwir, a journalist and historian.
Dr. Mohammad Halim Tanwir