Afghanistan Independence Day or Afghan Victory day is celebrated on August 19 to commemorate the Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 1919. And Google has doodle a celebrating the 100th anniversary of Afghanistan's independence. The Google doodle shows the Afghan flag in the colours of black, red and green. The tricolours represent the flag's past, independence struggle and the hope for a prosperous future. The Afghan flag also shows the national emblem that includes the year 1298 (1919 in the Gregorian calendar), showing the year the country gained independence from the rule of the United Kingdom. The capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul, witnesses various ceremonies and parades on this day.

Afghanistan has been among contested territories for centuries because of its geographic location. Located between India, Persia and Silk Road, the country has experienced oppression from different rulers. After signing the Treaty of Rawalpindi which promised neutral relations between Britain and Afghanistan, Emir Amanullah Khan declared independence from any British influence on this day in 1919.

Citizens visit mosques on this day to offer prayers. Local carnivals featuring dance and song are also held. However, this year, celebrations have been cut short following the bombing at the wedding. Many Independence Day celebrations in the country have been postponed due to the incident. Many festivities which were scheduled to unfold at the historic Dar-ul-Aman Palace has been postponed following President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani's instructions in a bid to pay respect to families of those who lost their near ones in the deadly attack. We wish Afghanistan a very Happy Independence Day and hope they get the courage to revive from the loss soon!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 19, 2019 02:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).