In Kandahar, this year’s traditional “Anar Gul” ceremony and public festival were held in an atmosphere that, instead of focusing on literature, poetry, and culture, was largely dedicated to supporting the Taliban government, praising Mullah Hibatullah, and sustaining the current regime.
During the gathering, representatives of the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture emphasized to poets and writers that they should use their poetry and writings to defend the “Islamic system,” obey the Amir, and promote government decrees.
At the same event, Mawlawi Abdulhadi Abul-Khalid, a member of the Kandahar Ulema Council, told young people that instead of buying expensive mobile phones, they should acquire weapons and always be ready for “jihad.” He added that young people should have rockets and other weapons and remain prepared for combat.
Sources say that during the ceremony, Taliban Amr bil Maroof officials did not allow participants to record videos, to prevent all speeches and statements from being widely circulated.
Reports indicate that the Taliban use not only the traditional Anar Gul ceremony in Kandahar but also the historic Narenj Gul festival in Nangarhar largely for their political and propaganda purposes, giving space for statements against opponents.
Some Afghans believe that the Taliban are in conflict with the country’s cultural and literary values and traditions and are trying to alter and restrict these customs according to their ideological and political perspective.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
