Afghans mark Nowruz under Taliban with muted celebrations

Flags strung up on a street ahead of the Persian New Year or Nowruz festival in Kabul, Afghanistan, March 16, 2022. Picture taken March 16, 2022. REUTERS/Charlotte Greenfield

KABUL (Reuters) - Afghans celebrated Nowruz, the Persian New Year, on Monday but festivities were muted, taking place under Taliban rule for the first time in decades and as the administration cancelled a public holiday.

The Taliban administration said on Sunday although the holiday was officially cancelled, they would not prevent people from celebrating the popular festival privately.