Spring Time in Afghanistan
My favorite time of the year
Hi everyone!
I love spring; it’s one of my favorite seasons! The weather is ideal- not too hot and not too cold. It’s perfect for being outdoors, visiting friends and family, and having fun.
Back in Afghanistan, I always felt super excited when spring was approaching. The trees displayed beautiful colors, the air felt fresh, and it was the perfect time to be outdoors. I would ask my mom if I could visit my grandparents’ house, especially since my cousins were usually there—and most of the time, she agreed!
We played soccer, tag, and various fun games until we were tired and it grew dark. Then we went inside, drank some water, watched TV, and eventually went to bed. The next day, we did it all again. We never got bored because it was always so enjoyable.
I had two close cousins and another who didn’t play with us as much. On special days, more cousins would come over to join the fun. Spring brought everyone together.
Another reason I loved spring was that it marked Afghanistan’s New Year—Nowruz. During this time, colorful tulips bloomed, and thousands of people traveled to Mazar-i-Sharif for the festivals. Families gathered for picnics, and my grandma made a special dessert called Samanak. It was so tasty—you could eat it after lunch or dinner and never get tired of it!
My mom and aunts also made Haft Mewa, a blend of fruits and nuts including raisins, pistachios, walnuts, senjid, hazelnuts, almonds, and dried apples. If you ever want to try making it, feel free to use any combination of fruits and nuts you prefer.
Spring in Afghanistan was full of joy, family, and fun traditions. But here in America, it feels a little different.
Spring remains my favorite season because the trees are beautiful, but it’s not the same without my cousins. I love my siblings, but sometimes we argue about small things when we play. My cousins and I rarely argued—we always agreed on what to play, what snacks to buy, and how long to hang out.
In Afghanistan, spring meant pink blossoms on the trees, birds chirping, and perfect weather. Here, the cherry blossoms remain beautiful, but sometimes, it feels as if the colors have faded. The birds are quieter, and the weather gets a bit too hot occasionally. Perhaps it’s not that spring has changed, but rather that I miss my cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. I think about them every day and wish we could be together again.
Sometimes, my family and I visit Washington, D.C., to see the cherry blossoms and take pictures. We play soccer and enjoy the day, but it still feels different. I have fun, but I miss the laughter and games with my cousins.
I still have hope that one day Allah will reunite our family. I pray it won’t take too long. Until then, I cherish the memories and the joy that spring always brought me.
That’s all I have to share for now. Do you have a favorite season? If so, which one is it? Comment below—I’d love to read your answers!
Thank you so much for reading my blog!
Have a great rest of your day or night!
Love,
Aqsa
I also enjoyed spring in Mazar e-Sharif in 2003. Beautiful pic of the Blue Mosque.