‘Balkh entertainment, sports events to continue for 40-day’

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Some entertainment and sports events have launched in northern Balkh province on the occasion of New Year which will continue for 40 days, an official said.

Balkh Information and Cultural Affairs Director Atta Mohammad Saho said special security arrangement put in place from the past one week and for this purpose security forces had been in place in parts of the city.

He said most people from different parts of the country arrived in Balkh for sightseeing on the occasion of new year.

Referring to the ban of Nawroz flag rising and other curbs in Mazar-i-Sharif, people said it was a cultural event and had no religious angle.

They said despite improved security and stability Nawroz celebration had been canceled officially.

Abdul Ghafoor, a visitor from Kabul province, said he arrived in Mazar-i-Sharif to witness flag raising he said: “Over the years Nawroz is celebrated in Balkh province but this year Narwoz celebration had been cancelled.”

Mariwais, another visitor from Badakhshan province, said Nawroz celebration is not a religious practice and it is merely a cultural festival.

He said security situation had improved this time but ban of Nawroz celebration is a new change for them.

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