Celebration of Joy and Revival of Afghan Culture: Afghans in Minnesota Celebrate Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr
Written by Hussain Ali Haidari
Afghan migrants in Minnesota celebrated Nowruz (the Persian New Year) and Eid al-Fitr with remarkable grandeur.
Afghan Cultural Society hosted its 3rd annual Eid al Fitr celebration on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The event was attended by approximately 450 Afghans residing in the city, including cultural figures and artists.
Nasreen Sajady, the executive director of Afghan Cultural Society, stated that the purpose of holding this cultural celebration was to commemorate the traditional and religious holidays of Afghans in exile and to deepen and strengthen the social and cultural ties among Afghan migrants in the city.
Sajady expressing gratitude to the supporters, organizers, and participants of the event, added: “We have brought together Afghan migrants to build a strong community in a safe space.” And that “We strive to ensure that our children do not forget their historical roots.”
Enayatullah Nasiri, who recently arrived in Minnesota, welcomed the gathering as a valuable opportunity for friendly meetings and the renewal of friendships and emotional bonds among recent arrivals: “Eid is an occasion for meeting and reminiscing.”
He expressed appreciation for the ample space and warm hospitality of the event and emphasized the need for greater attention to presenting joyful and meaningful cultural programs that reflect Afghan culture in the future.
Nasiri added: “The Nowruz celebration is one of Afghanistan’s long-standing and historical traditions. People in Afghanistan celebrate this day annually in various ways. Picnics and mountain outings, music, various games, and more are among the customs of Nowruz. Therefore, it was essential that this program also focused more on the issue of Nowruz and the culture of Nowruz in Afghanistan, making it more vibrant and richer by presenting joyful cultural programs.”
Ahmad Shah Mobariz, professor at Northfield college and another participant, also described the program as a significant event and achievement for Afghan immigrants residing in Minnesota, stating: ” Events of this kind are highly valuable for the Afghan community, especially those who have recently relocated. They provide a good opportunity to reconnect with Afghan traditions, enjoy traditional foods, and partake in the pleasure of music and cultural expression.”
“These types of events strengthen social bonds, enrich the cultural fabric of the region,
and counter stereotypes by showcasing the vibrant social and cultural life of Afghans.”
He added.
Mobariz considered familiarizing the host community with Afghan culture as another achievement of the program, saying: “This event also offers broad benefits to the host community by fostering intercultural understanding. It opens a space for Minnesota residents to engage with Afghan traditions, taste their cuisine, enjoy the music, and witness the resilience and creativity of the community.”
These programs also connect young Afghans in the US with the ancient and historical heritage of Afghanistan and contribute to the preservation and revival of Afghan identity.
He added: “Holding these types of programs provides a sense of peace to those living in exile and helps preserve their feeling of belonging to their ancestral homeland.”
Several other participants also welcomed the program and, while thanking the Afghan Cultural Society, offered specific suggestions for its improvement in the future, such as showcasing Afghan traditional fashion and clothing, storytelling, poetry, music, and Afghan cooking demonstrations.
Sajady expressed regret that this celebration has been banned by the Taliban in Afghanistan in recent years, stating: “The people of Afghanistan have endured much suffering, have been burned in the fire of war for years, and have suffered psychological trauma. Therefore, the Nowruz celebration is a good opportunity for our people to heal their psychological wounds, find solace, say no to their dark past, and think about their bright and hopeful future.”