| Title: |
Night view of the Blue Mosque , with the tomb of Ali , central Mazar e Sharif , during the celebration of Nowroz ( New Year ) , on March 21st , Balkh province , Afghanistan . Since decades in Afghanistan , it is celebrated with community gatherings and special meals . During Taliban regime , Nowroz celebration was banned in most of the country as it was considered un Islamic . Nowroz , new day or New Year as the Iranians call it , is a celebration of spring Equinox on March , 21st . It has been celebrated by all the major cultures of ancient Mesopotamia , Sumerians , in Southern Persia , and Central Asia . Nowroz has been celebrated for at least 3000 years and is deeply rooted in the traditions of Zoroastrian belief system . Mazar e Sharif , Afghanistan . March 19 , 2006 . ? |