Nowruz, the first day of the New Solar Year, was celebrated by all Afghans on Tuesday but with some differences.

Families with money celebrated the day in style in their homes or with family and friends or went sightseeing while poor families simply stayed home. 

They said this day was a day of peace. 

“In the past there were Buzkashi and athletics and people were very happy,” Abdul Raouf, Kabul resident said.

“I have come with my father to walk around. I want to be a good girl in the future,” Sahar, a child said.

But poor families, who could not afford to do anything, said they celebrated Nowruz in their homes.

A family who has come from Helmand to Kabul to escape the insecurity said they would have liked to have celebrated Nowruz but had no money to do anything. 

“We do not have money to celebrate Nowroz or go to Qargha or anywhere else for sightseeing. The people who have money celebrate this day,” said Mohammad Ewas, a Kabul resident.

“Celebrating new year, we need money, but we even do not have food in our house,” said Sayed Ghulam, Kabul resident.

“We live in very bad conditions,” said Azizullah, a child.

Despite poverty and insecurity, people are trying to celebrate Nowruz in different parts of the country in the best way they can.