Residents of the western province of Herat celebrated Nawroz- the first day of the 1402 solar year- in tradition ways.

The people in Herat are celebrating Nawroz through a special event—which is called Haftsin—involving a combination of seven kinds of fruits and vegetables whose name starts with the letter “S” in Dari.

TOLOnews interviewed Ali Zaman and his family, who were celebrating Nawroz.

“This is a table of love that we celebrate the new year. When God gives us a child, we are happy for him/her and walk all around the hospital. Then God give us another year to live, you see the trees get reborn,” Ali Zaman said.

“This is part of our culture. The brothers, sisters and father and mother have sat together and wished a New Year to each other,” said Zainab, a resident of Herat.

Haftsin includes apple, garlic, vinegar, coins, green wheat, Sumac and Samanak.

However, the celebration has faded due to ongoing economic challenges in Herat and across the country.

“There are economic problems which affects the families now. It means there is less money to spend,” said Mahnaz, a resident of Herat.

“Lack of celebration is due to unemployment, poverty and the people are poor,” said Musa Rizai, a resident of Herat.

The residents came out of their homes and celebrated the day in public parks and other entertainment areas.

“We all celebrate the new year. One food that is eaten a lot in this event’s celebration is fish,” said Farhad, a resident of Herat.

Celebration of Nawroz has a long historic origin in Afghanistan. Many regional countries particularly, the Farsi-speaking countries, celebrate it.