Happy Norouz from the Embassy of Afghanistan
Norouz is the traditional New Year holiday in Afghanistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Albania, Georgia, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and other groups scattered across the Middle East and Asia. Norouz marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the New Year as well as the first day of school in Afghanistan. Noruz traditions can be traced back to the mythical Persian King Jamshid who ruled over 15,000 years ago, and Norouz as we know it has been celebrated for at least 3000 years.
In Afghanistan, you will hear people wishing their friends and family an “Norouzetoon Mobarak,” or, “Happy New Year.” In Afghanistan, the most important Norouz tradition is the preparation of the Haft Mewa, or “Seven Fruits.” Haft Mewa is a fruit salad made from 7 different nuts and dried fruits, served in their own syrup. The 7 fruits are: Raisin, Senjed, Pistachio, Hazelnut, Prunes, Walnut and Almonds. Another special sweet food that Afghans eat during the New Year is Samanak, which is made from Wheat germ. Afghan children look forward to Norouz as well, as bakeries prepare a special type of cookie, called Kulcha-e Nowrozi, which baked only on Norouz.
Afghans start preparing for Norouz with a major spring-cleaning. Houses are decorated with flowers and new clothes are often purchased for the New Year. During the Norouz festival, many Afghans will picnic with their families in scenic spots throughout the country. People travel from all over Afghanistan and the world to attend the Gul-e Surkh or “Red Flower” Festival in Mazar-i Sharif to witness the blooming of the seemingly endless fields of tulips. The citizens of Kabul go to Istalif, Charikar and other parks to see the first Cercis flowers of the season.
Norouz is a celebration of spring, of rebirth, and of life. We at the Embassy of Afghanistan wish you a Happy Norouz!
Please click HERE to view our Norouz greeting in Dari and Pashto
Please click HERE to listen to a NPR story on Norouz in Afghanistan
