The Nawroz festival celebrations started with the traditional flag-raising ceremony in the Blue Mosque city of Mazar in the north of Afghanistan on Sunday, with Afghans from various parts of the country and foreign guests attending.

This year’s ceremony in Balkh had less participants than last year. 

Balkh governor Farhad Azimi said at the event that the people are tired of war and are demanding peace. 

“I promise you that I will act against land grabbing this year as I did last year,” Azimi said. 

Nawroz, which is the first day of the solar year 1400, was also celebrated in Kabul, Herat and other big cities, as celebrants expressed hope for a peaceful year ahead. 

“I have one demand from God, which is the recovery of my son, and my next demand is that peace is established in Afghanistan,” said Shirin Jan, a Kabul resident. 

People from various parts of the country said they hope new efforts for peace will ensure stability in the country.

“Good health and good security and happiness are my wish for the people of Afghanistan in solar year 1400,” a Jawzjan resident Enayatullah said. 
Peace and security were main topics for those who addressed the ceremony of the Nawroz festival celebration at the Blue Mosque.

“We call on the Taliban from this tribune to make this year a year of peace for Afghans and end violence,” said Mohammad Afzal Hadid, head of the Balkh provincial council.