The "Jahanda Bala" ceremony was held on the first day of 1403 in Kart-e Sakhi, Kabul. Hundreds of capital residents who had gathered for the event celebrated the first day of the solar year.

Participants of the ceremony expressed their happiness at celebrating Nowruz in a secure atmosphere.

Kabul residents witnessed the hustle and bustle in other parts of the capital as well.

Some residents of Kabul celebrated the first day of the year hoping for a year filled with happiness and progress by visiting recreational spots and meeting with friends.

Meanwhile, Abdullah Abdullah, the head of the High Council for National Reconciliation in the former government, has once again called for the reopening of schools and universities for girls by the Islamic Emirate in a New Year's message.

"We expect that in the new academic year, the gates of schools and universities will be opened to girls and job opportunities will be provided for the dignified women of our country, who constitute half of our society." Wrote Abdullah Abdullah in his message.

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, also congratulated everyone celebrating the New Year of Nowruz.

Guterres added, "Let the dawn of spring sow new seeds of hope in our hearts. We hope to move towards a brighter future as one human family. I extend my best wishes to everyone celebrating Nowruz." 

Some shopkeepers in parts of Kabul said their sales market is vibrant.

The Islamic Emirate last year cancelled the holiday of the first day of the year and also banned the celebration of Nowruz; therefore, the commemoration of this day is much less prominent compared to other years in Kabul and the provinces.