A public holiday. Marks the beginning of the Muslim holy month (1 Ramadan). Islamic dates are fixed by the IEA Supreme Court's moon-sighting committee (Ru'yat-e-Hilal); Gregorian dates are Umm al-Qura projections and may shift by 1 day.
2/15/1996, Thu
Liberation Day
Note
A public holiday retained by the IEA. Commemorates the completion of Soviet troop withdrawal from Afghanistan on 15 February 1989 under the Geneva Accords. Islamic dates are fixed by the IEA Supreme Court's moon-sighting committee (Ru'yat-e-Hilal); Gregorian dates are Umm al-Qura projections and may shift by 1 day.
2/21/1996, Wed
Eid al-Fitr Day 1
Note
A public holiday. First day of Eid al-Fitr (1 Shawwal), marking the end of Ramadan. Announced by the IEA Supreme Court via the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs based on local moon sighting; typically aligns with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announcement within +/-1 day.
2/22/1996, Thu
Eid al-Fitr Day 2
Note
A public holiday. Second day of Eid al-Fitr (2 Shawwal).
2/23/1996, Fri
Eid al-Fitr Day 3
Note
A public holiday. Third day of Eid al-Fitr (3 Shawwal).
4/28/1996, Sun
Mujahideen Victory Day
Note
A public holiday retained on the IEA calendar; observance reduced to official state gatherings (Loya Jirga Hall commemoration attended by DPM Hanafi, Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and FM Muttaqi in 2025). Commemorates the fall of the Najibullah government and the entry of the mujahideen into Kabul on 28 April 1992.
4/28/1996, Sun
Day of Arafah
Note
A public holiday. Day of Arafah (9 Dhu al-Hijjah), the day of the great Hajj pilgrimage assembly. Islamic dates are fixed by the IEA Supreme Court's moon-sighting committee (Ru'yat-e-Hilal); Gregorian dates are Umm al-Qura projections and may shift by 1 day.
4/29/1996, Mon
Eid al-Adha Day 1
Note
A public holiday. First day of Eid al-Adha (10 Dhu al-Hijjah), commemorating Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son. Islamic dates are fixed by the IEA Supreme Court's moon-sighting committee (Ru'yat-e-Hilal); Gregorian dates are Umm al-Qura projections and may shift by 1 day.
4/30/1996, Tue
Eid al-Adha Day 2
Note
A public holiday. Second day of Eid al-Adha (11 Dhu al-Hijjah).
5/1/1996, Wed
Eid al-Adha Day 3
Note
A public holiday. Third day of Eid al-Adha (12 Dhu al-Hijjah).
5/2/1996, Thu
Eid al-Adha Day 4
Note
A public holiday. Fourth day of Eid al-Adha (13 Dhu al-Hijjah).
7/28/1996, Sun
Mawlid al-Nabi
Note
A public holiday. Commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad on 12 Rabi al-Awwal. Long-standing Islamic public holiday, retained by the IEA. Islamic dates are fixed by the IEA Supreme Court's moon-sighting committee (Ru'yat-e-Hilal); Gregorian dates are Umm al-Qura projections and may shift by 1 day.
8/15/1996, Thu
Victory Day of the Islamic Emirate
Note
A public holiday declared by IEA decree on 14 August 2022. Also known as Fatah Day and 24 Asad in Solar Hijri notation. Commemorates the fall of Kabul on 15 August 2021 and the establishment of the second Islamic Emirate. Marked by military parades at Bagram Airfield and in Kabul.
8/19/1996, Mon
Afghanistan Independence Day
Note
A public holiday, also known as Jeshen. Commemorates the Anglo-Afghan Treaty of Rawalpindi (19 August 1919) that established full Afghan sovereignty from Britain. Retained by the IEA and framed as "victory of the mujahideen" over British forces.
8/31/1996, Sat
Departure Day
Note
A public holiday declared by IEA on 30 August 2022 and elevated to national holiday on 17 June 2023. Commemorates the withdrawal of US and NATO troops from Afghanistan on 31 August 2021.