What is the nowroos celebration in Afghanistan?

Hi bawan,

Nowrooz is the new year holiday in Iran, Azerbaijan, Central Asia,
Afghanistan, Pakistan, parts of India and among the Kurds. The word
itself literally means "new day" in Persian, and the festival marks
the beginning of the solar year and new year on the Iranian calendar,
as well as among several other nationalities. It is a cultural and
national festival.


"The origins of NoRuz are unknown, but they go back several thousand
years predating the Achaemenian Dynasty. The ancient Iranians had a
festival called "Farvardgan" which lasted ten days, and took place at
the end of the solar year. It appears that this was a festival of
sorrow and mourning, signifying the end of life while the festival of
NoRuz, at the beginning of spring signified rebirth, and was a time of
great joy and celebration.

FarsiNet: NoRuz, NoRooz, NowRuz (Persian New Year)
http://farsinet.com/norooz/


"Nowruz, or Persian New Year, is held on the first day of spring and
marks the beginning of the calendar year in Iran and Afghanistan,
Kurdish areas of northern Iraq and Turkey and some Central Asian
republics..."
(...)
"In Azerbaijan and Central Asian republics like Uzbekistan and
Tajikistan, Nowruz has only been celebrated officially since the
collapse of the Soviet Union.

Nevertheless, people have taken the festival to their hearts. 

In Azerbaijan, the build up to the celebrations has lasted several
weeks, with bonfires being built and children going from door to door
asking for sweets.

But for millions of Afghans this year's Nowruz will have particular significance. 

The festival, which was banned by the purist Islamic Taleban, has not
only been revived, it has been given the stamp of official
approval..."

BBC News
Millions celebrate Persian New Year
Wednesday, 20 March, 2002
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1884227.stm


Search criteria:
nowroos OR nowrooz  afghanistan celebration 
nowruz celebration afghanistan spring
noruz OR norooz celebration


I hope this is helpful. If you have any questions regarding my answer
please don't hesitate to ask before rating.

Best regards,
Rainbow

Rainbow, thank you, just what I needed.  Bawanga

Hi bawan,
Glad I could help. Thank you very much for the rating and tip.
Best wishes,
Rainbow

NoRuz does not have any link with Islam.It is regional festival belong
to Iran or persian speaking people.