Nowruz celebrations restricted by the Taliban

As spring approaches, the celebration of Nowruz in Afghanistan has faded under Taliban-imposed restrictions. In several provinces, including Kabul, the Taliban have banned any form of Nowruz festivities and springtime leisure activities.

Sources in Kabul told R.M. Media that Taliban forces have issued notices to mosques prohibiting any Nowruz-related celebrations.

According to these sources, Taliban morality police patrol the city, preventing the sale of Nowruz essentials such as sabzeh (sprouted greens) and gold fish, leading to a decline in their sales.

Citizens say the combination of Nowruz coinciding with Ramadan and the Taliban’s restrictions has decreased public enthusiasm for the occasion.

Nowruz in Afghanistan has traditionally been marked by the setting of the Haft-Sin table, preparing Haft Mewa ( soaked dried nuts and dried fruit), and outdoor festivities. However, since the Taliban's takeover, many citizens have been forced to forgo these cultural traditions due to the imposed limitations.