Nowruz celebrations officially halted by Taliban in Afghanistan

The Persian New Year known as Nowruz was not formally celebrated in Afghanistan for the first time in two decades due to the beliefs of the country's new rulers.

The day, which falls on or around 21 March, was not a public holiday as the Taliban de facto government removed it from the official calendar and ordered the government employees to report to work.

The Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said over the weekend that people can celebrate Nowruz, but a customary flag-hoisting ceremony was not allowed to be held in Mazar-e-Sharif city on Monday.

The Taliban, who retook power last August after the chaotic withdrawal of the international forces and the collapse of the government under its protection, believe that the celebration of Nowruz is not allowed in Islam.

The day is celebrated worldwide, especially in Persian-speaking countries. In Afghanistan, every year people celebrate Nowruz by preparing Haft mewa, which is a compote of seven dried fruits, or Samanak, a sweet paste made entirely from germinated wheat.

In the past, Balkh province in the north of Afghanistan hosted thousands of guests from across the country at a special ceremony attended by high-ranking government officials and foreign diplomats.

Daud Haidari, a resident of Balkh province, told journalists the customary ceremony did not take place in the city this year, despite there being no war in the country.

"People have mental turmoil, because there is no freedom like the past. For example, people cannot play music or dance," Haidari said. "Many people are suffering economically."    (dpa)