24 March 2011 - Thousands of Helmandis gathered at Karzai stadium on the New Afghan Year Nowroz to take part in a celebration of peace.

Popular singers and music bands from around the country sent messages of peace through their tunes during the concert organized on Monday in Lashkargah, capital of Helmand province.

“It was extra ordinary scene one could hardly imagine to see a couple of years back,” said one resident.

The spectators, overjoyed with the arrival of the New Year, also tapped along to the drum beat of the traditional dance “Atan”.

Several exhibits were also organized on the first, second and third day of the Nawroz.

Similar events were organized elsewhere in Kandahar and Zabul provinces as symbol for harmony and unity.

By UNAMA Kandahar