A number of Hindu and Sikh residents in Nangarhar province on Monday marked the 318th Vesak festival – also known as Buddha Day.

Their festival of music and dance was also attended by other residents in the province.

Held in Surkhrod district, non-Hindu and non-Sikh residents in attendance said they were there in solidarity with them.

"You are in this country for a long time and you have obeyed every rule of Afghanistan so far," said Ikram, a tribal elder in Nangarhar, who attended the event.

Another tribal elder, Barikzai, said: "All the tribes are with you [Hindus and Sikhs]. We are ready to do any kind of help with you. We have tried to keep safe this place which is for your worshiping."

Hindus and Sikhs have lived in Afghanistan for generations but the various wars have forced many to leave the country and settle elsewhere.