Bamyan: Poverty, drought dampen Nawroz preparations

Monitoring Desk

BAMYAN CITY: Residents of central Bamyan province are not as enthusiastic about the Nawroz — first day of the solar year — as they have been in the past due to rising poverty, drought and unemployment.

Mohammad Jawad, a resident of Bamyan City, told Pajhwok Afghan News Nawroz was not welcomed ardently this time around because most of the people were unemployed and poverty was on the raise. Everyone is busy eking out a living.

He said many of the people were poverty-stricken, having no money to purchase clothes. Most of Bamyan inhabitants are reliant on agriculture, he noted, pointing outthat there had been inadequate rains and snowfall this year.

Sarwar, another inhabitant buying clothes in the market, said Nawroz was just a few days away but very few individuals came out for shopping.Staying indoors and visiting shops was indicative of poverty and the low level of enthusiasm, he explained.

Mohammad Ali, a cave-dweller, said: “Eid is the day on which my children relish rich food. Nawroz is that day for me.”Children of cave-dwellers do not make preparations for the new year and wear old clothes during Eid and Nawroz.

The cave-dwellers say people in sound economic condition could celebrate Nawroz in a befitting manner. They wear new clothes, eat good food and sweets and spend Nawroz days with their families.

Ahmad Hussain Ahmadpur, acting director of information and culture, said traditional festivities, including buzkashi and other functions, would mark Nawroz celebrations.

Residents joyously ring in the new year, with a variety of sports events and cultural programmes in Bamyan City and Yakawlang district.

He said the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation would organise a three-day Nawroz celebration. He hoped people would take part in the events.