Many citizens of Afghanistan still call for the official celebration of Nowruz, just as it was in earlier years. They see Nowruz as a living part of their culture, something that cannot simply be set aside. They worry that if traditions like this are restricted or banned, they will slowly fade away and never reach the next generation.
In conversations with the Hasht-e Subh Daily, they describe Nowruz as more than a holiday. During these days, families visit one another, and people organize traditional Afghan games that introduce younger generations to their cultural roots. These gatherings bring people closer and strengthen bonds across different ethnic and religious communities. They insist that no restriction should take away the simple joys and cultural practices of the people of Afghanistan.
Samana, a resident of Kabul, speaks with a quiet sense of loss. She believes Nowruz should still be celebrated as before, without being overlooked. She says that Taliban restrictions have drained much of the joy from people’s lives. In the past, families would come together to prepare Haft-Seen and Samanu. Before Nowruz, they would travel to the Rawza Sharif to take part in the raising of the banner ceremony. Now, she says, that lively and joyful atmosphere has faded, and people rarely go out for picnics or trips.
She recalls those moments in her own words: “I used to take the lead in preparing Haft-Seen and Samanu, and we would call all our relatives to join us. A day or two before Nowruz, we traveled to the Rawza Sharif for the ceremony. The joy we felt four years ago is something I can hardly imagine now. People used to go out, travel, and celebrate. Now those joys feel out of reach.”
Saami, from Panjshir, shares a similar feeling. He says Nowruz should not disappear in the shadow of global events or even major religious holidays like Eid al-Fitr. For him, Nowruz is not just a celebration. It is a symbol of unity and shared happiness.
He explains: “Nowruz used to be a time when people gathered, rested, and shared their happiness. Today, with these restrictions, people still long to celebrate it with the same excitement as before. They are simply tired of living under constant limitations.”
Shokrullah, a resident of Kapisa, challenges the idea that Nowruz is linked to fire worship or non-Islamic beliefs. He firmly rejects these claims and says such interpretations should not be raised at all. He believes nothing in Nowruz goes against Islamic values and argues that people should not lose their happiness in the name of religion or Sharia. He points out that even under the previous government, which also followed an Islamic system, people celebrated Nowruz widely and without issue.
He says, “Some people try to tie this day to specific historical or religious ideas and label it as something foreign, but that is not true. Nowruz simply marks the beginning of a new year, a moment that can bring a fresh spirit into our lives.”
He continues with a deeper reflection: “From a psychological point of view, anything that begins with positive energy can lead to good outcomes. If people start the new solar year with hope and motivation, it can give them a sense of purpose. Nowruz also celebrates the return of life to nature. People go to parks, fly kites, watch buzkashi, and enjoy wrestling matches. In many developed countries, such occasions receive real attention. Here, holidays are limited, yet these moments could give people new energy and hope.”
Ali Reza, from Ghazni, remembers how different things once felt. Before the Taliban’s return to power, people welcomed Nowruz with real excitement. Now, he says, that feeling has weakened. “We still want to celebrate Nowruz,” he says. “There was a special excitement as it approached, something you could feel inside. That feeling is not the same anymore.”
Cultural experts also stress the deeper roots of this celebration. They describe Nowruz as an ancient tradition from the time of Ariana, one that has existed since mythical eras and continues to reflect the cultural identity of the people of Afghanistan.
Ketab Khan Faizi, a cultural expert, sees Nowruz as a powerful symbol of history and identity. He explains that people have celebrated it for centuries across the region, and even today, communities in Central Asia and Iran continue to preserve it.
He says: “People across Afghanistan celebrate Nowruz in different ways, and they begin preparing days in advance. It marks the passage from darkness to light, the end of winter, and the start of a new season. In the past, cities like Kabul and Balkh celebrated it with great energy, including events like the Dehqan Fair. This tradition is part of an intangible heritage that goes back nearly three thousand years.”
After taking control of Afghanistan, the Taliban removed Nowruz from the official holiday calendar. Through the Law for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, they banned its celebration. Clause 21 of Article 22 labels Nowruz, Yalda Night, and similar cultural events as contrary to Islamic values and prohibits their observance.
Not long ago, people across the country welcomed Nowruz with preparation and excitement. Families set up Haft-Seen tables, cooked Samanu, and gathered together. Many traveled to Mazar-e-Sharif in Balkh province to attend the raising of the banner ceremony. They celebrated with buzkashi, local sports, and music, turning the occasion into a shared moment of joy.
Nowruz, this ancient and enduring festival, was officially recognized on September 30, 2009, when the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added it to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list as a shared human tradition.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
نوروز در افغانستان؛ نگرانیها از محدودیتها و کمرنگ شدن یک جشن باستانی
