The rich culture of Central Asia, particularly the persian speaking Afghanistan, Iran and Tajikistan will once again be put to show on the 20th of March this year. When all the Asian republics, Afghanistan and Iran will be celebrating their new common year, known as Hijri Shamsi (Solar Hijra). 20th of March 2009 will mark the beginning of the year 1388 in these countries.

For Afghans it’s a time of renewing new pledges and making resolutions for the next year. Traditionally, the national pledge is made in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif where it is celebrated with both religious and social ferver by raising the “Janda-e-Sakhi Jan” meaning literally “The Flag of Ali(Sakhi Jan, The Fourth Caliph and First Imam of the Shia Muslims). By local custom if it is raised steadily, it carries good news for the nation in the next year. However, if it gets tilted or somehow it is not raised steadily due to any kind of a mistake or whatsoever, it’s thought that the next year will not be a good year for Afghanistan. In that public hoisting of the flag, the flag bar itself is raised with great power and care to make sure it gets erected at one try. It’s so popular that national leaders would proudly say they are honored to help in raising the flag. All happens in a ceremony amongst tens of thousands of men, women and children.

The flag hoisting ceremony is followed by the traditional “Mela-e-Gule Surkh” The Red Flower Picnic for which Afghans from across the country travel to Mazar-e-Sharif to make the start of their new year a memorable one.

In addition, more myths are related to the celebration. This year, eyes would be once again focused onto the flag hoisting at Sakhi Jan as to whether Karzai may survive the upcoming elections? Will Afghanistan have a peaceful year as was predicted by the spokesman of the defense ministry? Will Afghans have new roads on their way to walk on? Will elections go on smoothly?

For now, the decisive day will remain to be March 20 or 1st “Hamal”. On the eve of this new year I would pray that May Afghans have a good year a head. May they have peace and prosperity.