33 Countries of Origin’ Profiles

12 that occurs immediately after Ramadan, a religious holiday that requires fasting for 30 days. Eid al Fitr is celebrated with numerous filling and more expensive dishes eaten, often containing meat, to celebrate the end of the long fast. However what makes this celebration even more loved is the heavy use of sweets in the celebration. The second major religious food celebration in Afghanistan i s Eid e Qurban , which is only celebrated after a pilgrim returns from haj , the mandatory journey for every able Muslim to go to Mecca. During this celebration an animal is usually sacrificed, usually a sheep or goat. Additionally, desserts, nuts, and tea are essential items. Another event with religious undertones is called nazer , which is an event to celebrate a religious event or thanks for the safety of a loved one; it is usually celebrated after a pilgrimage or a holy day. A lamb or calf is usually sacrificed and the meat, along with naan is distributed to the poor and people passing by. Births, wedding, and other events are also celebrated with food. Births are celebrated over 40 days with differing foods offered on particular days in celebration. Lamb kebabs are a common dish in these celebrations. Marriage engagements are brought to fruition with pilau , other main dishes, and numerous sweets. This is followed with more sweets as well as rice at the wedding itself to symbolize prosperity and fruitfulness. The final important celebration tied to foods is the New Year festival, called Nauroz , which is celebrated on the spring equinox. This celebration is meant to celebrate the end of the winter and the beginning of new life so fresh produce is commonly eaten as are other foods. Fruits, rice dishes, and wheat dishes are included in the celebration; this event is often celebrated outdoors as the country seems to get out to picnic on this day each year. Drinks In Afghanistan t he drink everyone seems drawn to is tea as the people drink it throughout the day every day. Dugh , rose-flavored yogurt with salt, is a more traditional drink, but less popular than tea. If you are seeking something you're more used to, there are plenty of options as soft drinks, juices, and coffee are available in most cities and even in some less traveled areas. As a primarily Muslim country, Afghanistan h as no alcohol available and it is illegal to consume in the country. The tap water in Afghanistan s hould not be consumed. Be sure to also avoid anything with ice as it may have been made from the tap water. Salads and fruits could have also been washed in the tap water so be careful with those foods as well. Religion Justin Dodge Nearly every citizen of Afghanistan i s Muslim. 80% of the population is Sunni Muslim while about 19% is Shia Muslim. Islam is a monotheistic religion, whose holy book is called the Qur'an. The Qur'an is believed to be the word of God spoken through the prophet Muhammad from 609-632 CE since the