Afghanistan has a rich cultural heritage, and celebrating holidays is integral to Afghan traditions. In 2025, the Afghan calendar will feature many festive days that unite families and communities.
Afghanistan has numerous feasting, prayer, and fellowship opportunities, from the ancient Persian New Year celebration of Nowruz to the Islamic holidays of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Other notable occasions include Independence Day in August, commemorating freedom from British rule, and the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday. Join us as we explore the significant holidays in Afghanistan in 2025.
Public Holidays In Afghanistan In 2025
Liberation Day
This day marks the Soviet withdrawal in 1989, marking the end of a decade-long occupation and war that affected the country. It symbolizes national independence and celebrates the return of self-determination and freedom from foreign control.
It is a day of remembrance, honoring Afghans who fought and sacrificed against the Soviet presence. It represents hope for stability and peace, though current realities paint a complex picture.
It is a public holiday with traditional celebrations, cultural events, and official speeches. Afghans have mixed feelings about this day; some view it as a day of liberation, while others remember the ongoing struggles within the country.
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Start of Ramadan
This marks the beginning of a month dedicated to prayer, fasting, and reflection, aiming to strengthen faith and connection with God. It brings people together for shared meals (Iftar & Suhoor), fostering a sense of community and solidarity.
It emphasizes giving to charity, promoting compassion, and helping those in need, especially during challenging economic times. It is celebrated as a national holiday, with schools and businesses closed, allowing for focused observance.
It embraces traditional Afghan customs and practices, enriching the Ramadan experience. Ongoing humanitarian and economic issues may be overshadowed, requiring extra support and awareness.
Eid al-Fitr
This marks the end of Ramadan and celebrates the culmination of the month-long spiritual journey of fasting and self-reflection. It is a major Muslim holiday, widely observed with special Eid prayers and festive customs. It emphasizes family gatherings, forgiveness, and strengthening social bonds.
Children receive gifts, families prepare special meals, and local customs add a unique flavor. It represents a period of national joy, hope, unity, and respite amidst ongoing challenges. It signifies Afghans’ ability to find joy and celebrate despite difficult circumstances.
Victory Day
Victory Day marks the Afghan Mujahideen rebels’ overthrow of the Soviet-backed communist government in 1992, ending a decade-long war. It is officially recognized as a national holiday in all parts of Afghanistan.
It is primarily celebrated by former Mujahideen fighters, who saw it as a victory against foreign occupation and communist ideology. However, it is controversial for some, as it marks the start of a brutal civil war that plunged the country into further chaos.
Its complex legacy represents both resistance against an external power and the beginning of internal struggles. It raises questions about national unity, reconciliation, and the impact of past conflicts on contemporary Afghanistan.
International Workers’ Day
The day marks historical struggles, honoring past labor movements that fought for better rights and working conditions. It also highlights current challenges, such as job losses, unsafe working environments, and discrimination.
It advocates for improvement, calling for action on issues like fair wages, social security, and stronger worker protections. It unites workers across professions and genders, promoting collective action and advocating for their needs.
It reminds us of the importance of workers and their potential to contribute to Afghanistan’s development. It also connects Afghan workers to the international labor movement, highlighting their struggles.
Arafat Day
Arafat Day is a day of immense forgiveness and mercy, as Muslims believe Allah bestows forgiveness and blessings readily on this day. It’s thought that the verse in the Quran declaring Islam as the perfected religion was revealed on this day.
Prophet Muhammad delivered his final sermon to Muslims during the Hajj on this day. It is a day of reflection and repentance, with Muslims praying, supplicating, and seeking forgiveness. While not obligatory, fasting on this day is highly rewarded for non-pilgrims.
Eid al-Adha
This holiday commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice, celebrating Ibrahim’s unwavering faith and willingness to obey God, strengthening spiritual connection for Afghans. It is a festival of sharing, with the Qurbani ritual emphasizing sharing meat with family, friends, and the poor, promoting generosity and social cohesion.
Families gather, mend relationships, and celebrate, fostering community unity and love. It provides an economic boost, with animal sales and festivities injecting money into local economies, impacting livelihoods and businesses.
Deeply rooted in Afghan culture, Eid al-Adha preserves heritage and provides a sense of identity and belonging. Amidst ongoing challenges, the holiday offers many Afghans a break from hardship, bringing hope and happiness.
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Ashura
For Shia Muslims, Ashura is a day of mourning, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala. This is a major event in Shia Islam, marked by grief and reflection. Large processions are held, often involving self-flagellation, to express sorrow and defiance against injustice.
Mosques hold special sermons and recitations of elegies (marsiya) about the events of Karbala. Ashura can be a social and political commentary platform, highlighting themes of justice, resistance, and sacrifice.
For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is a voluntary fasting day commemorating various historical events, including the Prophet Moses’ escape from Pharaoh and the start of creation. Muslims spend time praying and reflecting, seeking forgiveness and blessings from God. While respected, Ashura carries less weight for Sunni Muslims than Shia Muslims.
Independence Day
Independence Day is a reminder of the country’s long history of independence and struggle against foreign rule. It is a day to celebrate Afghan culture and identity. It is a time for Afghans to come together and reflect on the future of their country. It is a day of hope and optimism for the future of Afghanistan.
The Prophet’s Birthday
It is a religious holiday that marks the birth and death of Prophet Muhammad, a significant figure in Islam. The government declares it a public holiday to promote community celebrations and gatherings. The focus is prayers, lectures, recitations, and reflection on his teachings.
It encourages acts of kindness and fosters social bonds within the Muslim community. Traditional festivities, poetry readings, and special meals add to the celebration. It is a reminder of his message of compassion and hope, which holds special meaning in times of hardship.
Please check the complete list of public holidays in Afghanistan in 2025 below.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| Liberation Day | Feb 15, 2025 | Saturday |
| Start of Ramadan | Mar 01, 2025 | Saturday |
| Eid al-Fitr | Mar 31, 2025 | Monday |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Apr 01, 2025 | Tuesday |
| Eid al-Fitr Holiday | Apr 02, 2025 | Wednesday |
| Victory Day | Apr 28, 2025 | Monday |
| International Workers’ Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| Arafat Day | Jun 06, 2025 | Friday |
| Eid al-Adha | Jun 07, 2025 | Saturday |
| Eid al-Adha Holiday | Jun 07, 2025 | Saturday |
| Eid al-Adha Holiday | Jun 09, 2025 | Monday |
| Ashura | Jul 06, 2025 | Sunday |
| Independence Day | Aug 19, 2025 | Sunday |
| The Withdrawal of theLast American Soldier | Aug 31, 2025 | Tuesday |
| The Prophet’s Birthday | Aug 31, 2025 | Sunday |