In 2008, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) acknowledged the ancient Nawroz celebration, which has been in existence for thousands of years, as a cultural and spiritual inheritance of humanity. The United Nations has designated the first day of each month, or March 21, as “World Nawroz Day“. People from the region, including Afghanistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, and others, celebrate Nawroz as part of their traditional culture.
Nawroz is widely regarded in Ghazni province as a traditional and cultural holiday that alters the seasonal pattern of the world. It is customary in Ghazni province to visit historical sites, reunite with friends and family, and prepare various types of cuisine.
Families in Ghazni Province commence their preparations for the solar new year a few days prior to Nawroz, painting their homes and purchasing new garments. On the day of Nawroz, most families visit their relatives and tribal elders. Additionally, one of the oldest customs among those who celebrate Nawroz in Ghazni Province is to set up tables for visitors so that they can consume juice made of seven dried fruits.
Mohammad Ewaz, a 35–year–old resident of Jaghuri district in Ghazni province, visited the market to purchase dry fruits. In speaking with Hasht–e–Subh, he expressed his discontent with the market prices and stated that he wanted to acquire dry fruits in order to maintain the Nawroz tradition in his community. He continued, “I came to the market to buy items, but they are costly. Nevertheless, we will keep the Nawroz tradition alive and hope that the following year will bring peace and prosperity to the people of Afghanistan.”
Ahmad Jawed, a resident of Ghazni province, informed Hasht–e–Subh that he wished to travel to the Khaja–Umari district of Ghazni to visit his elderly family members and enjoy time with his children. He also noted that the celebration of Nawroz is a longstanding tradition among the people of Ghazni province and will continue in whatever form it takes, with people often going to picnics and historical sites.
Following the collapse of the former Afghan Republic, the Taliban forbade the observance of Nawroz, despite its long–standing history of being celebrated for thousands of years. Recently, the Taliban cautioned the inhabitants of Daikundi province that they should not celebrate Nawroz, or else they would be subject to punishment by the Taliban authorities in the area. Furthermore, the Taliban warned government employees to attend work on Nawroz or risk losing their employment.
