2024 Public Holidays in Afghanistan

Public Holidays in Afghanistan 2024

Afghanistan observes several public holidays throughout the year, reflecting its rich cultural, religious, and historical heritage. These holidays are significant for various reasons, including religious observance, commemoration of national events, and honoring cultural traditions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the public holidays in Afghanistan for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups of people entitled to days off.

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. While not a traditionally Afghan holiday, it is recognized and celebrated by many Afghans, especially in urban areas and among expatriate communities. It is a day of joy and festivity, often marked by gatherings, parties, and fireworks displays.

Days off: This holiday is typically observed by government offices, businesses, and educational institutions, providing a day off for employees and students.

Eid al-Fitr – April 2, 2024

Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, is one of the most important Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Eid al-Fitr is a time of joy, thanksgiving, and communal prayers. Families and friends come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and engage in acts of charity.

Days off: Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday in Afghanistan, with several days off typically granted to allow for festivities and religious observances. Government offices, businesses, and schools are closed during this period.

Independence Day – August 19, 2024

Independence Day commemorates Afghanistan’s independence from British influence in 1919. It is a significant national holiday that celebrates the country’s sovereignty and freedom. The day is marked by ceremonies, parades, and cultural events across the nation. It serves as a reminder of Afghanistan’s struggle for independence and its commitment to self-determination.

Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday, and government offices, businesses, and schools are closed to allow citizens to participate in national celebrations and festivities.

Eid al-Adha – August 27, 2024

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is another major Islamic holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Eid al-Adha involves the sacrifice of an animal, typically a sheep, goat, or cow, and the distribution of meat to the less fortunate.

Days off: Eid al-Adha is observed as a public holiday in Afghanistan, with several days off granted for the occasion. Government offices, businesses, and schools are closed to allow for religious observance and festivities.

Ashura – September 10, 2024

Ashura is an important religious observance for Shia Muslims, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. It is a day of mourning and reflection, with Shia Muslims participating in processions, rituals, and acts of charity to honor Imam Hussain’s sacrifice.

Days off: Ashura is not a public holiday in Afghanistan, but it is an important religious observance for the Shia Muslim community. Some Shia-majority areas may grant days off or reduce working hours to allow for participation in Ashura ceremonies and rituals.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday – October 10, 2024

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. While the exact date of Muhammad’s birth is disputed, Mawlid al-Nabi is observed on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The holiday is marked by prayers, recitations of poetry and hymns, and charitable acts.

Days off: Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday is not a public holiday in Afghanistan, but it is celebrated by the Muslim community with religious fervor. Some businesses and educational institutions may grant leave or reduce working hours on this occasion.

Victory Day – November 19, 2024

Victory Day commemorates the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989, marking the end of the Soviet-Afghan War. It is a day to honor the sacrifices made by Afghan forces and civilians during the conflict and to celebrate the country’s resilience and independence.

Days off: Victory Day is a public holiday in Afghanistan, with government offices, businesses, and schools closed to commemorate the occasion.

Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) – November 29, 2024

Islamic New Year, also known as Hijri New Year or Muharram, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar year. It is a time for reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth. While not as widely celebrated as the Gregorian New Year, Islamic New Year holds significance for Muslims as it commemorates the Hijra, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD.

Days off: Islamic New Year is not a public holiday in Afghanistan, but it is observed by Muslims with religious observances and special prayers. Some businesses and educational institutions may grant leave or reduce working hours on this occasion.

Christmas Day – December 25, 2024

Christmas Day is celebrated by Christians around the world to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. While Christians represent a minority in Afghanistan, primarily consisting of expatriates and converts, Christmas is observed by some Afghan Christians with religious services and gatherings.

Days off: Christmas Day is not a public holiday in Afghanistan, but it may be observed by Christian communities with leave granted by individual employers or educational institutions.

Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Afghanistan 2024