Nowruz Under Taliban: Tradition Clashes with Restriction
by Ebrahim Mohammadi — 2April2024
In Afghanistan, the arrival of Nowruz, a cherished time marking the Persian New Year, has historically been a period of joy and communal celebration. Traditionally, it’s a time when Afghans, regardless of their economic status, engage in various cultural practices that have been passed down through generations. These range from special dishes prepared for the Haft-Seen (a traditional Nowruz table setting of seven items starting with the letter S in Persian), to community games and storytelling that celebrate the themes of renewal and hope. Yet, under the shadow of the Taliban’s regime, this year’s Nowruz has been anything but celebratory for many. Economic hardship, unemployment, and stringent restrictions imposed by the Taliban have significantly dampened the spirit of the holiday.
Economic Hardship and Cultural Restrictions
For many Afghan citizens, the joy of Nowruz has been overshadowed by the grim reality of their daily lives. Economic struggles and job scarcity have left many unable to afford the basics needed to celebrate. The Taliban’s disdain for Nowruz, which they dismiss as a “pagan” and “Zoroastrian” festival, has led to a ban on public celebrations, further eroding the community’s ability to observe this important cultural event. One Kabul resident, a former teacher, shared her distress at being unable to afford even the most modest Nowruz feast for her family due to the loss of her job following the Taliban’s takeover. She tells Radio Zamaneh:
“Before the Taliban rule, I used to earn ten thousand Afghanis a month, equivalent to 150 US dollars, which was enough to solve all the economic problems of my family of five. Every year, I would prepare for the celebrations of the New Year, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha, buying new clothes for my two sons and daughter who went to school. But with a heavy heart for the past, I must say that now I do not have the permission to work outside the home, the doors of girls’ schools are closed, and my daughter, who is 12 years old, is still not allowed to go to school. My two sons do not have pens, notebooks, and new clothes for the academic year. With a heart filled with sadness, I welcomed the New Year and raised my hands in prayer to God to save us from this dark life.”
The Spirit of Nowruz Dims Under Taliban Rule
Historically, Nowruz has been a vibrant and widely celebrated event across Afghanistan, with festivities including rose planting ceremonies, fire jumping, and public picnics on the 13th day, known as Sizdah Bedar, when families gather outdoors to enjoy nature. However, this year, the usual excitement and public gatherings have been notably absent. Restrictions have stifled the celebratory essence of Nowruz, with reports indicating a lack of the customary public enthusiasm and the absence of traditional celebrations like the Jahenda Bala ceremony in Mazar-i-Sharif, which typically attracts visitors from across the country.
Ahmad Sir, one of the hotel owners in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif — a place where the Jahenda Bala ceremony was held annually with the presence of the highest government officials for Nowruz — told Radio Zamaneh:
“Due to the Taliban’s prevention of New Year celebrations and the absence of official ceremonies, only a few people came to this city. There was no longer any sign of the red flower pole, nor was the city bustling and welcoming guests because everything was bland and under restrictions and stress.”
Cultural Impact and International Recognition
The UN has recognized Nowruz as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting its significance across several countries, including Afghanistan. This acknowledgment underscores the cultural and historical importance of Nowruz, not only as a celebration of the new year but as a key element of cultural identity and heritage. The Taliban’s restrictions on Nowruz celebrations not only dampen spirits but also pose a direct threat to the preservation of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage.
Afghans across the country have expressed their sorrow over the restrictions on Nowruz, emphasizing that the celebration has never been in conflict with Islamic values. Instead, it is seen as an integral part of the nation’s culture and history. The stifling of Nowruz celebrations is perceived as an assault on Afghan identity and a negation of the nation’s rich cultural traditions. From educators to students, the sentiment is one of loss and longing for a time when Nowruz could be celebrated freely and joyfully.
This is a summary of original Radio Zamaneh content crafted with the help of AI, edited by a Radio Zamaneh editor. To read the original article, click here.
