Christmas In Afghanistan: A Unique Blend Of Traditions

Afghanistan is a devoutly Muslim country and does not officially recognise or celebrate Christmas. For Afghans, Christmas Day is like any other day—a regular workday without decorations or celebrations. However, in the heart of Kabul, Flower Street comes alive with Christmas cheer, as local tree vendors cater to the thousands of foreigners living and working in the city, who quietly celebrate the holiday in restaurants and behind military barracks.

Christmas in Afghanistan is like any other day

In Afghanistan, a devoutly Muslim country, Christmas Day is like any other day. People go to work, and there are no festive lights or decorations in the streets. However, in the heart of Kabul, there is a street that breaks the mould – Flower Street. Here, local vendors sell Christmas trees adorned with tinsel and lights to foreigners celebrating the holiday.

While Afghanistan does not officially recognise Christmas, the holiday is quietly observed by the thousands of non-Afghans living in Kabul, who work with organisations such as the United Nations or international military forces. These foreigners shop at Flower Street for their Christmas trees, and the season provides a welcome boost to the local florists.

Christmas trees were banned under Taliban rule, but now they can be a source of income for local businesses. Eidy Mohammad, who runs the Morsal Flower Store, said: "After the Taliban, we started to make Christmas trees because lots of foreigners are around, and they are asking for them... Business is growing — we had only the wedding season before, but now we have Christmas as well."

Christmas trees are not the only aspect of the holiday that has piqued the interest of some Afghans. Abdul Qader, 29, was intrigued by the lit-up trees he saw, initially believing them to be a new trend in Afghan home decor. When he discovered their true purpose, he said: "They looked beautiful to me."

While Christmas in Afghanistan may be a relatively low-key affair, it is still a time when people come together, whether to quietly celebrate a traditional holiday or to embrace a new cultural experience. For the vendors on Flower Street, it is a chance to foster community and connection, as well as a welcome opportunity to boost their income.

Foreigners in Kabul celebrate Christmas quietly

Afghanistan is a devoutly Muslim country, and Christmas is not a recognized or celebrated holiday there. However, in the heart of Kabul, on Flower Street, the festive season comes to life with Christmas trees adorned with tinsel and lights. This unique sight is a result of the thousands of foreigners living in the city who quietly celebrate the holiday in restaurants and behind military barracks. These foreigners work with organizations like the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, or international military forces.

Eidy Mohammad, a shop owner on Flower Street, shared that "after the Taliban, we started to make Christmas trees because lots of foreigners are around, and they are asking for them." The Christmas tree business has become a lucrative venture for local vendors, who also provide trees for weddings. Mohammad's shop, the Morsal Flower Store, is decorated with trees decked in multicolored tinsel and lights, bringing a touch of festive cheer to Kabul.

Abdul Qader, a 29-year-old local, recalled his first encounter with the lit-up Christmas trees, assuming they were a new trend in Afghan home decor. He later learned that they held religious significance for the Christian minority in the country. The sight of these illuminated trees brought a smile to his face, and he found them beautiful.

While Christmas is a low-key affair in Afghanistan, with no public displays of blinking lights or decorated trees apart from Flower Street, it provides an opportunity for foreigners to come together and celebrate in their own quiet way. It also opens up a niche market for local businesses, allowing them to cater to the needs of the diverse community in Kabul.

Christmas trees are sold on Flower Street in Kabul

Afghanistan is a devoutly Muslim country, and Christmas is not a recognised or celebrated holiday. However, in the capital city of Kabul, there is a place called Flower Street, where Christmas trees are sold.

Flower Street is located in the heart of Kabul. It is a festive place during Christmas, filled with trees adorned with tinsel, garlands, and lights. The street vendors sell Christmas trees to foreigners living in Kabul, who work with organisations like the United Nations or international military forces. These expatriates quietly celebrate the holiday in restaurants or behind military barracks.

Eidy Mohammad, a shop owner on Flower Street, said, "After the Taliban, we started to make Christmas trees because lots of foreigners are around, and they are asking for them. Business is growing — we had only the wedding season before, but now we have Christmas as well." He added that Christmas is a profitable season for flower stores in Kabul, and during the Taliban's rule, Christmas tree sales were forbidden.

Abdul Qader, a 29-year-old local, was amused when he first saw the lit-up Christmas trees, thinking they were a new trend in Afghan home decor. "They looked beautiful to me," he said.

Flower Street in Kabul transforms into a festive alley during Christmas, bringing a touch of holiday cheer to the city, even though it is not a widely celebrated event in Afghanistan.

Afghans celebrate Islamic holidays according to the lunar calendar

Afghanistan is a devoutly Muslim country, and Christmas passes like any other day. However, Afghans enthusiastically celebrate Islamic holidays according to the lunar calendar. The Islamic calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar, is based on 12 lunar months, with a new month beginning when a new moon is sighted. This means that Islamic holidays do not fall on the same Gregorian calendar date each year.

One of the most sacred Islamic traditions, Ramadan, usually falls between September and November. During this month, Afghans abstain from eating or drinking during the day, and most restaurants and businesses remain closed. The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid e Fitr, a joyous celebration with collective prayers, feasts with friends and family, and gifts for children.

Another significant Islamic holiday in Afghanistan is Eid e Qurban, which falls between December and February. During this time, animals such as goats, camels, or sheep are sacrificed to commemorate the Muslim pilgrimage (Hajj).

Nau Roz, or the Islamic New Year, is the most popular festival in Afghanistan, celebrated with music, dance, and buzkashi tournaments. It falls between January and March, depending on the Islamic calendar.

Mawleed al Nabi, celebrated between March and May, commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Afghans honour this day with special prayers, visits to mosques, and remembering the Prophet's teachings.

Islamic New Year, or Nau Roz, is the most popular festival in Afghanistan

Afghanistan is a devoutly Muslim country, so Christmas Day is like any other day for most Afghans. However, the Islamic New Year, or Nau Roz, is the most popular festival in the country.

Nau Roz, which means "new day" in Persian, is celebrated between January and March, depending on the Islamic calendar. It marks the start of the solar year and the first day of spring. The festival is rooted in the Zoroastrian religion, which was once a major religion in the region.

During Nau Roz, Afghans express gratitude for abundant produce and celebrate with music and dance. Buzkashi tournaments are also held during this time. It is common for people to spend time with family and friends, cook and eat traditional foods, and exchange gifts.

In Mazar-i-Sharif, the biggest city in northern Afghanistan, thousands gather at the historical shrine of Hazrat Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Mohammed and the fourth Caliph of Islam. The shrine is famous for its Blue Mosque and is deeply respected by Afghans. Mazar-i-Sharif also hosts the Guli Surkh festival, or the Red Rose Festival, named for the red tulips that grow in the surrounding deserts.

On the first day of the New Year, farmers walk in the cities as a sign of encouragement for agricultural production. This tradition, called Jashn-e Dehqan or the Festival of Farmers, is now mostly observed in Kabul and other major cities.

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