There has been tight security today in capital Kabul and provinces for Nawroz celebration. Ministry of Interior states that there are extra security measures at the public gathering places.
Security forces are seen everywhere in Kabul city checking vehicles and stopping suspicious people to avoid possible terrorist attacks during the celebration of the New Year.
National Directorate of Security (NDS)—Afghanistan’s intelligence agency– last week seized eight rockets which were made ready to disrupt Nawroz celebration in Kabul.
Also extra security measures have been taken in the provinces including Balkh, Herat, Nangarhar and other parts where people in larger numbers take part in the celebration of Nawroz or New Year.
Security officials in eastern Nangarhar say they have taken extra measures especially in public gathering places.
Also, in Mazar-iSharif which is the center of Afghanistan’s Nawroz (New Year) celebration, 5600 additional soldiers have been assigned to tighten the security in nine security builts around the city where thousands of people from parts of the country and neighboring countries go to take part in the celebration and Gul Surkh Mila (Red Flowers Festival).
Red Flowers Festival refers to Tulip flowers which grow over the hills around Mazar-i-Sharif, giving it an attractive view.
Various customs are performed during the Gul Surkh Mila, including Bozkashi games and Janda Bala event.
The Janda Bala event is raising a flag in the Shrine of Hazrat Ali (karam allah wajhu), Islam’s 4th Khalifa (caliphate). The flag is raised at the 1st day of the New Year which also starts the 40 days festival.
