Norouz in Kabul, Afghanistan

Norouz is a traditional new year holiday celebrated by people in Afghanistan, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kurdistan, India, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, as well as in Iranian and Turkic communities all over the world. The residents of Kabul celebrated Norouz walking to green areas around the city. On Maranjan Hill, people fly kites and dance while families stroll around leisurely. Interestingly enough, all these activities were banned under the Taliban regime. Indeed, the Taliban had also banned Norouz itself.