Families and groups of young people from Herat and other provinces gathered in large numbers in Badghis province’s Ab Kamari district in western Afghanistan, where green hills and open plains drew thousands to celebrate the new solar year.
Crowds gathered in Ab Kamari district in Badghis province on the first day of the new year, drawn by its pistachio forests, green plains and mild spring weather — long considered a popular destination for Nowruz celebrations.
Convoys of vehicles set out from Herat early in the day, carrying families and groups of young people hoping to mark the arrival of spring in a festive atmosphere.
Residents say the district’s natural landscape and fresh air make it a favored destination each year.
“It’s the first day of the new year, and we came to Ab Kamari,” said Mohammad Salem, a resident of Herat. “Many people come here. The weather is good, and everything is green.”
Visitors also traveled from other provinces, including Kandahar and Helmand, highlighting the district’s appeal beyond the region.
On the first day of the new year, the area known locally as “Pistachio Plains” hosted hundreds of families gathering for picnics and outdoor celebrations.
For some women, the trip offered a rare opportunity to spend time in open recreational spaces, amid restrictions on access to certain public areas in cities.
Families said the occasion provided a chance to enjoy time together away from daily pressures.
“We came here with friends to enjoy the day,” said Mohammad Haroon, another visitor from Herat. “It’s affordable, it’s safe, and it’s a good place to spend time.”
Although celebrations of Nowruz face limitations under Taliban policies, many Afghans continue to observe the new year in their own way, often traveling to natural areas to mark the occasion.
Ab Kamari district, known for its pistachio forests and open landscapes, remains one of the key seasonal destinations for such gatherings, offering a brief escape and a sense of normalcy at the start of the year.
