The tradition of Nowruz gifts for engaged women in Afghanistan

Nowruz, also known as "Fiancés’ Day" in some regions, is a time when engaged couples eagerly anticipate receiving Nowruzi gifts from their future in-laws.

Zahedullah, a resident of Laghman, got engaged five months ago. A few days before Nowruz, he sent traditional Nowruzi gifts to his fiancée’s family as part of this long-standing tradition.

"Each region has its own customs," said Zahedullah. "In Laghman, it is a tradition for a fiancé to give his fiancée a gift on the first day of the new year. These gifts usually include dried fruits, fresh fruits, clothes, and other essential items."

Nowruzi gift packages often contain beauty products, clothing, dried fruits, meat, rice, and various food and non-food items. In some cases, families choose to go beyond traditional gifts and offer more luxurious presents.

Tahir Sapi, a resident of Kunar, highlighted this trend, saying, "Some people even gift gold and other expensive items to their fiancées during Nowruz."

He added, "In Kunar, fiancés visit their future in-laws on Nowruz and present their fiancées with clothing, mobile phones, dried and fresh fruits, and other valuable gifts. This day is considered an auspicious occasion for their future life together. Similarly, the groom also receives gifts from his future in-laws."

According to Tahir, this tradition not only strengthens relationships between families but also positively impacts the bond between spouses.

However, cultural expert Sayed Ikram Afghan emphasized that the value of the gift is not as important as the act of giving itself.

"The key aspect of Nowruz is that engaged couples exchange gifts, no matter how big or small, based on their financial means. The main goal is to bring happiness to both families and strengthen their connection," he said.

The Nowruzi gift-giving tradition is one of Afghanistan’s ancient customs, practiced differently across various provinces. While not widely observed throughout the country, many families, both in urban and rural areas, continue to uphold this tradition as a way of preserving their cultural heritage.