Afghanistan Travel Guide - Public Holidays

Below are listed the Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
19 Jan Ashura (Martyrdom of Imam Hussein).
15 Feb Liberation Day.
21 Mar Navruz (Persian New Year). 
20 Mar Roze-Maulud (Birth of the Prophet).
18 Apr Liberation Day.
28 Apr Revolution Day; Loss of the Muslim Nation.
1 May Labour Day.
19 Aug National Day. 
1-2 Oct Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
8-9 Dec Eid-al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

2009
7 Jan Ashura (Martyrdom of Imam Hussein).
15 Feb Liberation Day.
21 Mar Navruz (Persian New Year). 
9 Mar Roze-Maulud (Birth of the Prophet).
18 Apr Liberation Day.
28 Apr Revolution Day; Loss of the Muslim Nation.
1 May Labour Day.
19 Aug National Day. 
20-21 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
27-28 Nov Eid-al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

* Dates to be confirmed.

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last up to several days, depending on the region.