Despite Covid concerns, Nawroz preparations underway in Balkh

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Local officials say they are taking steps to celebrate the new solar year in Mazar-i-Sharif, capital of northern Balkh province, despite fears of insecurity and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Information and culture officials expect around 100,000 people to participate in new solar year celebrations in Mazar-i-Sharif.

Some shopkeepers and hoteliers in the city say insecurity on highways, criminal incidents in the provincial capital and Covid-19 had discouraged guests from other provinces travelling to Mazar-i-Sharif for the festival.

Nawruz is celebrated on the first of Hamal (March 21) with great zeal across the country, especially in Mazar-i-Sharif, where a flag is hoisted on the shrine of the fourth caliph, Hazrat Ali (RWA).

A member of the Nawroz Festival Commission and director of information Matiul Rahman Karimi told Pajhwok preparations for the celebration of the New Year had been underway since February 21.

He said that a commission headed by the Balkh governor had been set up to make preparations for the festival.

“Cleaning different parts including roads is underway. Gunfire and different games on the eve of Nawruz/ Other cultural and artisticactivities are also planned,” he added.

“Last year, the new year was not celebrated due to the Covid-19 threat. But we hope the festival will be attended by around 100,000 people this year,” he said.

However, a number of shopkeepers and hotel owners say that insecurity on highways, high criminal incidents in Mazar-i-Sharif and presence of Covid-19 risks had discouraged guests from other provinces to travel to the province for celebrating the new year.

Mohammad Sarwar, a shopkeeper of dried fruits and sweets in Mazar-i-Sharif city, said that there was little crowd of people in the city due to insecurity and Covid-19 risks.

He said that in the past, they would see an increase in people’s movements in the city. “The situation is still normal, we do not see an increase in customers, insecurity is high besides Covid-19 fears, I do not think people would attend the new year celebration in high numbers like in the past.”

Saifullah, owner of Qasim Hotel in Mazar-i-Sharif, said that no guests from other provinces have so far reached their hotel for celebration of the new year.

In the past, guests from other provinces would stream on to the city a month and a half ahead of the event. But now they cannot be seen here even on the eve of this year’s celebration, he added.

He said increased criminal incidents in Mazar-i-Sharif might be one of the reasons for people from other provinces avoiding travelling to the city.

“A few days ago, the situation was terrible in Mazar-i-Sharif, where no one felt safe while leaving their homes. I think, people from other provinces have heard about this and they would not join the Nawroz festival,” he said.

Maruf, a resident of the city, said the security forces should provide protection for the celebration of the new solar year.

He proposed the establishment of more checkpoints in Mazar-i-Sharif and conducting an operation against those who threatened the festival. Meanwhile, police spokesman, Adil Shah Adil said a security plan would be hammered out soon for the celebration of the new year.

Afghan security forces have launched operations in nearby districts in advance of the New Year and they have removed threats, he added.

“A joint committee has been created for ensuring security for the celebration of Nawroz. We assure people the new year would be marked in a fully secure environment,” he promised.

On the other hand, the Balkh Public Health Department ic concerned about the spread of Covid-19 and want the people to follow safety measures.

Public Health DirectorKhalilullah Hekmatisaid Nawroz had a lot of cultural significance and value for the Afghans.However, he was worried about the persistent Covid-19 threate.

“If there is a program for celebrations, people from other provinces and abroad would attend them, But this will contribute to the spread of the virus. Therefore, we advise the people not to gather in crowds for a long time,” he remarked.

mds/mud