I would like to know what is current situation about getting into Afghanistan from Uzbekistan. Is it possible to enter country from Termez at these days? I will be in Uzbekistan in middle of March and I really would like to visit Mazar for Newroz time, so now I need to make my mind about visas. Thank you guys!
1
luka8
Hi,
according to information I received from Afghan embassy in Warsaw, border crossing Termez/Hayratan is open for foreigners to cross from both sides.
Edited by: luka8
2
MaciekM
Thx luka8!
That is what I heard from the same embassy yesterday. Dzięki i pozdrawiam!
Maciek
3
afghanguy
Salam,
I also confirm it is possible to enter Afghanistan from Uzbekistan. The Heratan border is open. It is big fun to be in Mazar during Nau Roz. Every body is heading towards Mazar to witness the flag raising at the shrine of Hazrat Ali. During this time Mazar remains super busy.
Happy travels
4
MaciekM
Motshakeram afghanguy!
Can u tell me something more about event of flag raising which u mentioned? Do u know if its possible to watch buzkashi anywhere at Nau Roz time? Thank You!
5
afghanguy
Salam,
During Nau Roz, the Afghan New Year, a flag is raised at the shrine of Ali in Mazare Sharif to observe the new year. The flag-raising ceremony is traditionally the highlight of the opening day of Nauroz, in Afghanistan.
Afghan men and women flock to Mazar-i-Sharif to celebrate Nauroz and to engage in the traditional ‘Jahenda Bala’ – raising of the flag at the Holy Blue Mosque. People wear new clothes, refurbish their house, paint the buildings and henna their hands.
Nau Roz, the New Year Festival is the largest festival and celebrated throughout Afghanistan but especially popular in Mazar e Sharif, where the festivities have been well-known to last for up to 10 days. It is also known as Gul e Sorkh by the people of Mazar.
Nau Ruz, the Persian New Year falls on 21st March each year. It is a time when people head to the parks and gardens to relax with their families, picnic, fly kites or take a pilgrimage to holy places. The shrine of Hazrat Ali in Mazar-e-Sharif and the shrines of Balkh are especially busy at this time of year. One of most famous of Nauroz traditions among Afghans is to forget and forgive mistakes of one another and start the New Year with new hopes and new goals. During the first three days of the year, families and relatives meet and visit each other’s housess. Each town and city will have its own celebrations and this is the best time of year to see traditional Afghan sports like Buzkashi and kite fighting.
Happy travels
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