KABUL): Strict security arrangements have been put in place as part of preparations for clebrating the Nawroz (Afghan New Year) festival, officials said on Sunday.
Celebrations will take place in different provinces on March 21 to mark the Afghan New Year. The event is traditionally celebrated in a big way in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, and Kabul.
People from all parts of the entertainment-starved country flock to Mazar-i-Sharif and Kabul to take part in Gul-i-Surkh (tulip) Fair and Janda Bala (flag-hoisting) ceremony.
Colourful lights have been installed along sidewalks in Kart-i-Sakhi, Shuhada-i-Salehin, Shah Shahid and other neighbourhoods of Kabul, giving the capital a clean and festive look.
In order to celebrate the New Year in a befitting manner, the Kabul Municipality has taken elaborate steps, Eng. Khogman, the deputy mayor, told Pajhwok Afghan News.
The municipality has planned a series of programmes, including concerts, handcraft exhibitions and decoration of parks that will house around five million citizens.
Although shopkeepers have been directed to paint their stores and plant saplings, only a few places have been beautified. Khogman warned the businessmen ignoring the directives would be fined.
Additionally, security has been beefed up in Kabul ahead of the event, police officer Brig. Gen. Mohammad Daud Amini said.
Special security measures have been taken in Kart-i-Sakhi, Shuhada-i-Salehin, Kart-i-Naw, Tapa Nader Khan, Tapa Maranjan, Tapa Bibe Mehro, Bagrami Park, Bagh-i-Bala and Khair Khana localities.
mrh/mud
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