Many Afghans celebrated Nowruz, also known as Persian New Year, on Monday 21 March.

It begins on the spring equinox and is also known as Farmers' Day in Afghanistan. It is typically observed for two weeks leading up to the new year itself.

Under Taliban rule, the Nowruz holiday, a pre-Islamic tradition, has been banned. But it has been more widely tolerated than under previous Taliban administrations.

This video shows large numbers of people on the streets of Mazar-i-Sharif during Nowruz on March 21.

This footage was filmed and produced 21 March 2022.

Nowruz is celebrated widely in Afghanistan. Also known as Farmer's Day, the observances usually last two weeks, culminating on the first day of the Afghan New Year, March 21. During the Taliban rule, Nowruz holiday is banned, but it cannot be erased from people's minds.

This video illustrates people on the street during 'banned' Nowruz holiday in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan, on March 21.