By: Abdul Rahim Kamel

Introduction
Although Nowruz is celebrated across all countries within the Nowruz cultural sphere, evidence suggests that its commemoration in Afghanistan, particularly in Balkh, differs significantly from other nations. The official celebration of Nowruz at the shrine attributed to Hazrat Mola Ali[1] in Balkh province, and the ancient tradition of "Darfash Afrazi" (raising the flag) during Nowruz ceremonies in Balkh, Kabul, and other regions of Afghanistan give a unique and distinct character to this ancient festival.
This article seeks to explore the Nowruz ceremony and the tradition of flag-raising in Afghanistan.
 
The Historical Background of Nowruz in Afghanistan
Nowruz has deep-rooted origins in the mythical beliefs of the Afghan people, tracing back to Jamshid, one of the legendary kings of ancient Persia. However, Islamic-era historical sources provide more detailed and explicit accounts of Nowruz celebrations across the Iranian Plateau, including present-day Afghanistan.
In his Nowruznama (The book of Nowruze), Omar Khayyam writes:

"The custom of Persian kings, from the time of Kay Khosrow to the era of Yazdegerd—the last of the Persian monarchs—was that on Nowruz day, the first person to approach the king was a high priest carrying a golden goblet filled with wine, along with a ring, a Khosrowani coin, a handful of fresh green grass, a sword, a bow and arrow, an inkwell and pen, a mule, a falcon, and a handsome young servant. The priest would praise and bless the king, reciting these words:

May your sword shine bright and strike your enemies!
May your falcon be sharp and victorious in the hunt!
May your affairs be as straight as an arrow!
May men of knowledge and wisdom be honored in your court!
May your treasury be full, and your live be long!
 
Similarly, Abu Uthman al-Jahiz states:
On Nowruz, the Persian king would wear his royal attire and adorn himself with his finest jewelry before sitting at the Nowruz feast.
 
Meanwhile, Al-Biruni recounts in Al-Athar al-Baqiyah:
On Nowruz, a silver goblet filled with sweets was presented to the Prophet Mohammad. When asked what it was, they responded, ‘Today is Nowruz.’ The Prophet inquired, ‘What is Nowruz?’ They said, ‘It is the great festival of the Persians.’ The Prophet then replied, ‘I wish every day were Nowruz for us.’
 
Omar Khayyam, in his Nowruznama, attributes the origins of Nowruz celebrations to the legendary Pishdadian and Kayanian kings of Balkh, including Kayumars, Hushang, Jamshid, Fereydun, and Goshtasp.

There is some debate regarding the exact birthplace of Nowruz in ancient Iran. Clarifying this depends on pinpointing the location of Jamshid’s reign. Islamic historians have not explicitly named the capital or permanent residence of Kayumars or Jamshid—the founders of Nowruz. However, Uthman al-Jahiz and Ahmad Dinawari identified Babylon as Jamshid’s city, while Tabari and Biruni named Damavand in Tabaristan.
Among contemporary Afghan historians, many believe Balkh to be the homeland of Jamshid and the birthplace of Nowruz. Afghan researcher Fazel Kayani states: "Just as the history of Balkh begins with Jamshid (also known as Kayumars), the history of Nowruz begins with Jamshid too."

Though ancient mythological texts clearly identify Jamshid as the founder of Nowruz, in subsequent historical stages, Nowruz and how it is celebrated remain unclear. Dehkhoda notes: "We lack precise information about Nowruz ceremonies in the courts of the Achaemenid and Parthian kings, but valuable records exist regarding its celebration during the Sassanian era."

After the fall of the Sassanian Empire, the early Islamic caliphates initially paid little attention to Nowruz. However, Afghan historian Abdul Hai Habibi states in The History of Afghanistan after Islam: "As the influence of Khorasani figures, such as Abu Muslim and the Barmakids, grew in the caliphal courts, Nowruz and Mehrgan were revived with great splendor. Even Arab poets composed odes and verses about these Persian festivals, which Hamza bin Hasan al-Isfahani compiled these poems in his book Ash'ar al-Sa'irah fi al-Nayruz wa al-Mahrjan.”

After the rise of Islam, Nowruz continued to hold a prominent place in Afghanistan. One of the most enduring traditions of this historical festival is its grand celebration at the Ziyarat-e Sakhi (Sakhi Shrine) in present-day Balkh. Sakhi Shrine in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, is a place that some consider to be the burial site of Hazrat Ali. This is why the city was named Mazar-e Sharif (The Noble Shrine).
 
The Semantics of Nowruz in Afghanistan
a) Religious Approach to Nowruz
In Afghanistan, Nowruz celebrations are deeply intertwined with religious beliefs. According to popular traditions, several significant events in sacred history are said to have coincided with Nowruz: the landing of Prophet Noah’s Ark on Mount Judi after the flood, the breaking of idols by Prophet Abraham, the earthquake that destroyed Nimrod’s palace, and the descent of divine revelation upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In more recent centuries, Afghans have associated Nowruz with the anniversary of Hazrat Ali’s accession to the caliphate. Historically, large crowds, including the head of state or their representative, have gathered at the Sakhi Shrine in Balkh to celebrate Nowruz by raising a sacred banner associated with Shah Awliya (a title for Hazrat Ali). Afghans commonly refer to Hazrat Ali as Sakhi (the Generous) and Shah Awliya (King of Saints). Popular belief holds that Hazrat Ali assumed the caliphate on Nowruz and that his blessed body was later transferred to Balkh for burial at the Sakhi Shrine. Some believe that Mazar-e-Sharif is the tomb of a saint who bore the same name as Ali ibn Abi Talib.

A parallel tradition exists in Kabul, where another shrine named Ziyarat-e Sakhi stands. Since ancient times, people of Kabul have celebrated Nowruz there by hoisting the Alam-e Sakhi (Sakhi’s flag). This flag known locally as Zhenda or Jehanda—a term of Indian origin reflecting historical cultural exchanges between ancient Khorasan and the Indian subcontinent. During the banner-raising ceremony, the people collectively recite verses in praise of Hazrat Ali:

Nowruz has arrived, the greatest of festivals,
Because of the the Saqi of Kawthar(a title for Imam Ali).
Today, Ali ascended the Prophet’s throne,
And thus, day and night were made equal.

b) Mythological Approach to Nowruz
According to ancient legends, Jamshid was one of the most civilization-building rulers of Persian mythology. It is believed that on Nowruz, he subdued the demons, attained divine glory (Farrah Izadi), and established his rule over the world through a cup of divination, named the Cup of Jamsid (or Jam-e Jahan Nama). To mark this victory, he declared the day as Nowruz, the beginning of the year.

Some scholars argue that Balkh was Jamshid’s homeland and the birthplace of Nowruz. Since Nowruz signifies the rebirth of nature, it is also intertwined with Balkh’s stunning natural landscape. As if in celebration of this cultural event, the valleys of Balkh bloom with red poppies every spring, coinciding with Nowruz. This is why the festival in Afghanistan is also called Mela-ye Gul-e Surkh (The Red Flower Festival).
In early spring, the plains surrounding Balkh are adorned with red tulips—the same flowers that once decorated the walls of the ancient Nawbahar temple. From this perspective, Nowruz in Afghanistan carries both mythical and natural significance, linking it to ancient pre-Islamic traditions.
 
Ways of Celebrating Nowruz in Afghanistan
The Nowruz festival, marking the arrival of spring, has been celebrated in Afghanistan throughout history in various ways, adapting to the conditions and times. Generally, Afghan families set up Nowruz tables adorned with seven symbolic items (Haft-Seen) or a type of food consisting of seven fruits (Haft Mewa) on the eve of the new year. Some also light candles. All family members, especially children, wear new clothes and eagerly await the moment of the new year’s arrival. The head of the family takes the seat of honor and recites a prayer of gratitude.

Observing Eid prayers, holding wrestling competitions, horse racing, the Samanak festival, the Farmer’s Day festival, visiting relatives, paying respects at the graves of deceased loved ones, visiting the sick, and comforting bereaved families are among the customs practiced during the first three days of Nowruz in Afghanistan. However, Nowruz celebrations in Kabul and Balkh have distinct characteristics.

In Kabul, people visit the sacred shrines of Sakhi, Shohada-e-Saleheen, Ashaqan- wa- Arefan, and Khwaja Safa, gathering at these places to commemorate Nowruz. Many also visit recreational spots such as Qargha, Maranjan Hill, Chaman-e-Hozuri, the Women’s Garden, the foothills of Khwaja Safa, Ghazi Stadium, Istalif, Karizmir, Gul Ghundi, Paghman, Charikar, and other recreational locations to celebrate the arrival of spring.
 

Most of Kabul’s current residents have migrated from other provinces or neighboring countries after years of displacement. As a result, they carry diverse cultural traditions related to Nowruz. Nevertheless, the hoisting of the Sakhi flag at the Shrine of Sakhi in Kabul, attributed to Imam Ali (AS), has retained its central significance in the Nowruz celebrations of Kabulis.

 

Devotees of Imam Ali spend the night of Nowruz in the Sakhi shrine, reciting eulogies. On the first day of Nowruz, a large crowd from various segments of society gathers at this sacred site. After the recitation of the Holy Quran, the Sakhi flag is raised amid joyous cheers. At that moment, the air is filled with the resounding cries of "Ya Ali!" as the celebration of Nowruz begins in his remembrance.

The Nowruz festivities in Balkh, held at the Shrine of Sakhi, are grander and more vibrant than those in Kabul. The ceremonies commence with the ritual raising of the Shah-e-Olia flag, attributed to Imam Ali, conducted with great solemnity. People from across the country, as well as from neighboring nations, travel to participate in these celebrations.

In preparation for Nowruz, the residents of Mazar-e-Sharif thoroughly clean their homes, streets, and neighborhoods. The most significant part of the Nowruz celebrations is the hoisting of the sacred flag (Darfash/Zhenda/Alam) dedicated to Imam Ali. This solemn event, attended by military and civilian officials, is marked by the firing of ceremonial cannon salutes. With the official raising of the flag at the shrine attributed to Imam Ali, the formal Nowruz festivities commence.

In Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, the Nowruz celebrations begin on the first day of the new year and continue for forty days, during which the surrounding tulip fields create a breathtaking spectacle. Many visitors from other provinces travel to this city to enjoy their Nowruz holidays.
The enchanting folk song of Mullah Mohammad Jan, which, according to ancient legends, was composed by a young maiden for her beloved Mullah Mohammad Jan adds to the beauty of the celebration:
Come, let us go to Mazar, O Mullah Mohammad Jan,
 To witness the tulips in bloom—O my beloved!
 O Ali, Lion of God, heal my pain,
 Convey my prayers to the Lord above.
 
The Hoisting of Mola Ali’s flag
The tradition of hoisting the flag attributed to Imam Ali is at the heart of Nowruz celebrations in Afghanistan. Without this ritual, the festival seems devoid of its true meaning for many Afghans. This flag, known by various names such as Alam, Bayraq, Zhanda, and Derafsh, originates from Arabic, Persian, and Indian linguistic roots.

The symbolic flag of Imam Ali, hoisted annually at Nowruz in Afghanistan’s religious sites—especially in Mazar-e-Sharif—is a flag decorated with green cloth, with Islamic phrases written around it. Around its edges, the phrases "لا اله الله" (there is no God but Allah), and the names "Muhammad, Ali, Fatima, Hasan, and Husayn " (the names of Islamic prophet Muhammad and his family members) are inscribed, while at its center, the Quranic verse "نصر من الله و فتح قریب" (Victory is from Allah, and conquest is near) is written. This banner is raised with fervor and enthusiasm, accompanied by the chants of "Ya Ali Madad" (Oh Ali, help us!) from the gathered crowd.

Many believe that this ritual symbolizes the first day of Imam Ali’s caliphate, while others see it as a commemoration of Eid al-Ghadir[2]. This event remains one of Afghanistan’s grandest national and religious ceremonies, taking place at the start of spring in the presence of government officials, military leaders, foreign guests, and the public. The flag remains hoisted for forty days over ancient Balkh.

The Hoisting of the Derafsh Kaviani
In Afghan literature, Balkh is referred to as Balkh-e Bami, a term rooted in Middle Persian literature and  an ancient book named Shahnameh[3]. Historical sources mention that in the Avesta (the text corpus of religious literature of Zoroastrianism), Balkh was known as "Sriram Arduv Drafsham ", meaning "Beautiful Balkh with its hoisted flags."
These raised flags indicate Balkh’s historical status as a center of governance, where commanders and representatives of ancient Iranian lands would hoist their flags alongside the legendary Derafsh Kaviani(Kaviani flag)[4] in the ancient Nawbahar temple during the arrival of spring. Scholars suggest that the flag raised in Mazar-e-Sharif today may be a symbolic continuation of the ancient Derafsh Kaviani.
Striking similarities exist between the colors of the Derafsh Kaviani, as described in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, and the tricolor flag raised in Mazar-e-Sharif during Nowruz. Ferdowsi wrote:
By its red, yellow, and purple colours,
He called it the Kavyani flag.
 
Although today’s ceremony is seemingly religious and attributed to Shah Awliya (a title for Hazrat Ali), its origins may lie in the ancient Iranian tradition of honoring the Kavyani Banner. Scholars believe that at some point in history, when the inhabitants of "Balkh-e Bami" embraced Islam, they could no longer publicly hoist the Derafsh Kaviani from the Zoroastrian era. Thus, they ingeniously revived their historical symbols by transforming the tradition, shifting from the Derafsh Kaviani to the Shah Awliya flag. In doing so, they preserved their cultural identity while adapting it to the Islamic era. 
 
Nowruz in Taliban – ruled Afghanistan
As stated earlier, Nowruz, as a natural and mythical phenomenon, possesses a trans-historical essence and has never fundamentally clashed with any religion or belief system. However, in the past three years, Nowruz has become a battleground for rigid religious interpretations in Afghanistan.

The Taliban government, adhering to its strict interpretation of Islam, has declared ancient festivals like Nowruz and Yalda forbidden. In contrast, some Islamic scholars consider Nowruz celebrations—focused on honoring rainfall and nature’s rebirth—as a positive and blessed event. They refer to the fifth chapter of the Quran, where Prophet Jesus, who came to combat idolatry and superstitions, prays: "O Allah, send down to us a table of food from heaven so that it may be a festival for us." Some interpret "table" as a reference to rainfall, making rainy days equivalent to a festival.

From the Taliban’s perspective, Nowruz not only resembles Zoroastrian rituals but also is similar to the tradition of the infidels, making it impermissible. However, it should be noted that similarity to the infidels in customary matters is inevitable. In fact, today's urban life is similar to the life of the infidels in the use of everyday tools and facilities, such as building and urban development, using car, television, the Internet, and eating with spoon and fork. Therefore, a mere resemblance to non-Muslims does not inherently make an act forbidden; rather, what matters is whether it serves as an exclusive symbol of non-believers or contradicts religious teachings.

Additionally, some Taliban clerics from the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice argue that Nowruz celebrations provide opportunities for sin and immorality. Historically, certain religious figures have also opposed Nowruz, but this festival, with its vast cultural and historical significance, has persisted from mythical times to the present.
Ultimately, the subconscious mind of societies tends to preserve traditions that resonate with human emotions and nature. From this perspective, Nowruz remains deeply rooted in the history and collective emotions of the people within this shared cultural sphere, ensuring its permanence and endurance for generations to come.
 
Abdul Rahim Kamel, is an Afghan expert.

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