Afghanistan holiday calendar

Public holidays in Afghanistan 2026

Calendar compilation last reviewed

Plan the year with every Afghanistan public holiday, regional date and major cultural observance in our calendar. Each entry links to a detailed guide covering its history, status, traditions and sources.

Public holidays
15
Regional dates
0
Observances
1
Substitute dates
0

How public holidays work in Afghanistan

The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Afghanistan calendar. Regional holidays may apply only in a particular state, province, territory or community, while an observance does not automatically mean that workplaces, schools or public services close.

No separate substitute dates are currently listed for 2026. Weekend and time-off rules can still vary by employer, region and holiday, so consult the linked guide and primary source before making arrangements. May is the busiest month, with 5 listed dates.

Afghanistan holiday dates in 2026

The table lists 16 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.

Public holidays, regional dates and cultural observances in Afghanistan for 2026
DateHolidayTypeObserved day
Soviet Troop Withdrawal DayA current February 15 public holiday marking the completion of the Soviet military withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989.Public holiday—
Eid al-FitrThe confirmed three-day religious public-holiday period ending Ramadan, subject to Afghanistan’s official moon-sighting announcement.Public holiday—
Eid al-Fitr, Day 2Eid al-Fitr, Day 2, a calendar-only continuation of the nationally observed multi-day Eid al-Fitr public-holiday period.Public holiday—
NowruzAfghanistan’s historic spring new-year festival, still meaningful to many communities but not a current nationwide public holiday.Cultural observance—
Eid al-Fitr, Day 3Eid al-Fitr, Day 3, a calendar-only continuation of the nationally observed multi-day Eid al-Fitr public-holiday period.Public holiday—
Mujahideen Victory DayThe April 28 public holiday recalling the mujahideen entry into Kabul and fall of the Soviet-backed government in 1992.Public holiday—
International Workers’ DayThe May 1 public holiday and civic occasion focusing on Afghan workers, employment, safety, wages and social protection.Public holiday—
Arafat DayThe officially recognised public holiday on 9 Dhu al-Hijjah, immediately before Afghanistan’s three-day Eid al-Adha period.Public holiday—
Eid al-AdhaAfghanistan’s three-day Feast of Sacrifice public-holiday period, following Arafat Day and subject to lunar confirmation.Public holiday—
Eid al-Adha, Day 2Eid al-Adha, Day 2, a calendar-only continuation of the nationally observed multi-day Eid al-Adha public-holiday period.Public holiday—
Eid al-Adha, Day 3Eid al-Adha, Day 3, a calendar-only continuation of the nationally observed multi-day Eid al-Adha public-holiday period.Public holiday—
AshuraThe tenth of Muharram, a lunar public holiday central to Shia mourning in Afghanistan and subject to annual confirmation.Public holiday—
August 15 Victory DayA current August 15 public holiday designated by Afghanistan’s de facto authorities after their 2021 return to power.Public holiday—
Independence DayThe current August 19 national public holiday recalling Afghanistan’s recovery of control over foreign affairs in 1919.Public holiday—
Prophet’s BirthdayMawlid on 12 Rabi al-Awwal, a devotional Afghan public holiday whose Gregorian date needs annual lunar confirmation.Public holiday—
Departure DayThe August 31 public holiday designated after the final United States military flight left Kabul in 2021.Public holiday—

Sources for Afghanistan holidays

Calendar dates and classifications are checked against the primary calendar sources below. Historical and cultural claims have additional citations on each individual holiday guide.