Nowruz Countdown — Afghan New Year

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نوروز مبارک

Nowruz — Afghan New Year Countdown

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Today's Date in All Calendars

Shamsi (شمسی)
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Miladi (میلادی)
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Hijri (هجری)
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Nowruz Details

Next Nowruz: —
Shamsi Year: —
Day of Week: —
Days Since Last Nowruz: —

Nowruz Dates — Historical & Upcoming

Shamsi YearGregorian DateDayType

What is Nowruz?

Nowruz (نوروز — literally "New Day") is the Afghan New Year and one of the oldest celebrations in human history, dating back over 3,000 years. It marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the Solar Hijri calendar (Shamsi calendar) on 1 Hamal (Aries). Nowruz falls on the vernal equinox, which occurs on March 20 or 21 of each Gregorian year.

In Afghanistan, Nowruz is a national holiday and a deeply cherished cultural tradition celebrated by Afghans of all ethnic backgrounds — Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, Pashtuns, and others. The celebrations typically last for two weeks, featuring music, dancing, family gatherings, special foods like haft mewa (seven fruits), buzkashi games, and visits to the famous Blue Mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif where thousands gather to witness the Janda-raising ceremony.

Afghan New Year Traditions

  • Haft Mewa (هفت میوه): Seven dried fruits and nuts soaked in water, symbolising prosperity for the new year.
  • Mazar-i-Sharif Janda Ceremony: The raising of the sacred Janda (flag) at the Blue Mosque marks the official start of Nowruz.
  • Buzkashi (بزکشی): The traditional Afghan equestrian sport played in many provinces during Nowruz.
  • Spring Cleaning: Homes are cleaned from top to bottom to welcome the new year fresh.
  • New Clothes: Children and adults wear new clothes to symbolise a fresh start.
  • Family Visits: Visiting relatives, elders, and neighbours is an important part of the celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nowruz 2025 falls on March 20, 2025 (1 Hamal 1404), and Nowruz 2026 falls on March 21, 2026 (1 Hamal 1405). The exact date shifts slightly each year based on the vernal equinox. Afghanistan officially observes March 21 as the public holiday, but the astronomical equinox may fall on March 20.

The Shamsi (Solar Hijri) calendar is a solar calendar that begins at the vernal equinox. It has 12 months: the first six months have 31 days, the next five have 30 days, and the last month has 29 days (30 in leap years). The Shamsi year 1404 corresponds approximately to 2025-2026 in the Gregorian calendar. The Shamsi year is roughly 621-622 years behind the Gregorian year.

Nowruz is celebrated across most of Afghanistan, particularly in northern, central, and western regions. The most famous celebration is in Mazar-i-Sharif at the Shrine of Ali (Blue Mosque), which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. Some conservative communities celebrate with less fanfare, but it is widely recognised as a national cultural holiday.

Haft Mewa (هفت میوه — Seven Fruits) is a traditional Afghan Nowruz dish made by soaking seven types of dried fruits and nuts in water: raisins, senjed (Russian olive berries), pistachios, walnuts, dried apricots, prunes, and almonds. The seven items symbolise health, happiness, and prosperity for the new year. It is eaten as a sweet, fragrant compote.

Nowruz Quick Facts

  • 🌸 Date: 1 Hamal (March 20/21)
  • 📅 Calendar: Shamsi (Solar Hijri)
  • 🇦🇫 National holiday in Afghanistan
  • 🕌 Celebrated for 3,000+ years
  • 🎊 Duration: Up to 2 weeks of festivities

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