Thousands of men and women in Afghanistan, despite economic hardships and Taliban restrictions, celebrated Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz by visiting recreational areas.
People, along with their families, friends, and relatives, went out in different provinces using private cars, taxis, three-wheelers, and motorcycles to welcome the arrival of spring and Eid in nature. Open spaces and natural areas that had recently begun to turn green were their main destinations. Many set up tents or sat on carpets in these places.
Although Taliban restrictions posed major obstacles to dancing, celebrations, listening to music, and romantic outings, people spent their time engaging in activities such as football, wrestling, horseback riding, a traditional game called “Klik-Danda”, and using recreational facilities.
The presence of women, although limited, was still noticeable, and they took part in leisure activities alongside male family members; however, their movement and dress were strictly controlled. Many families brought cooking equipment and prepared their food on-site. Meanwhile, vendors were also busy, benefiting from the unusually large crowds to earn income.
The Taliban had set up several checkpoints along the roads leading to recreational areas, and in some of them, members of the group’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice were present. Their forces inspected vehicles individually to identify “possible violations.” The Ministry had previously announced that the activities of its members would continue during the Eid days. At some of these checkpoints, Taliban forces, instead of traffic police, were responsible for managing traffic and reducing congestion.
Since returning to power, the Taliban have banned the celebration of some traditional festivals in Afghanistan, including Nowruz and Yalda night. Nevertheless, people continue to mark these occasions inside the country every year. Despite poverty and hunger reaching unprecedented levels in the country, the people of Afghanistan still use occasions like Eid and Nowruz as opportunities for joy and togetherness.
