Eid Under Taliban Rule: How Afghan Women and Girls Celebrate
Tawazon – Although Eid celebrations for women and men have always been different in Afghan society, many Afghan girls and women say they can no longer celebrate Eid with real happiness.
Several women and girls told Tawazon that since the Taliban returned to power, restrictions on womens work, education, movement, and access to public spaces have made Eid feel less joyful than before.
For many women and girls, Edi is not only about wearing new clothes, henna, bracelets, or makeup. They are also responsible for preparing the home, shopping for the family, cooking, cleaning, and welcoming guests.
Some women say their responsibilities become so heavy before Eid that they hardly notice the holiday arriving. At times, they do not even have enough time to buy clothes or henna for themselves.
Women who support their families financially often carry the biggest burden during Eid preparations.
Zinat, a residen of Kabul says she is responsible for buying clothes and other necessary items for her family.
During Eid, I buy clothes, shoes, and other necessary things for my family members, she said. I also pay for dried fruits, fresh fruits and food. During Eid al-Adha, I even prepare for the sacrifice myself.
Other women who cannot financially support their families still take on many responsibilities, including shopping, house cleaning, and cooking.
Tajala, another residen of Kabul, said she spends most of her Eid preparing the home and helping family members.
I go to the market for shopping, choose clothes for everyone in the family, and even sew dresses for my sisters. I also take more responsibility for cleaning and cooking than others in the house, she said
Sajida, from Jalalabad, says most of her Eid days are spent doing housework. she often becomes too busy to take care of herself or prepare for Eid in the way she wants.
I stay busy cleaning the house. Even though I bought a few dresses and some beauty items, I will probably not put on henna. I also do a lot of housework during Eid, and I do not plan to go anywhere. Still, I feel happy preparing Eid gifts for my future sister-in-law, she said.
For many married women, one of the biggest concerns before Eid is preparing matching clothes for themselve, their husbands, and their children.
Hasina, a woman from Nangerhar, says, My biggest Eid preparation is finding clothes for myself, my husband, and my children that match and look good together.
Some girls who recently returned to Afghanistan after living abroad say this years Eid feels very different from previous years.
Sima, who recently returned from Pakistan, says she used to have two jobs and a monthly income there, but now she is unemployed and staying at home.
In previous years, I used to buy gifts for my family during Eid. But this year, I cannot afford to do that, she said.
Many Afghan women and girls say that since the Taliban returned to power, Eid celebrations no longer have the same joy and excitement as before. They say restrictions on womens work and movement have completely changed the atmosphere of Eid.
Before,many women spent Eid visiting relative, gathering with friends, going to parks, wearing henna, and celebrating freely. Now, many say they feel limited and unable to enjoy Eid the way they once did.