Bamyan with the history of 2 thousand years the remnants of
which exist as the Buddha Niches, the ruins of Gholghola, Share Zuhak, Chehel
Burj, etc.; the stupendeous mountains being snow covered for most part of the
year; the first national park of the country and so many undiscovered natural
caves and valleys offer good options to hang around on weekends or free times;
however, not all can access and afford these options. Therefore, when there is
any national, religious, cultural ceremony, people of all ages – the youths in
particular – tend to enjoy and make the best uses of these ceremonies. 

There is annual Nowroz and Silk Road festivals but with increasing
insecurity and threats, the scale of these festivals are tightening and
youths
are yet influenced by it the most. 15^th Shaaban being the
birthday
of the 12^th Imam of the Shiite Muslims is considered a sacred
day and
moment of celebration for the entire Shiite communities in all across
the globe
including Bamyan. Likewise other places, in Bamyan people give charity,
offer
special prayers, have traditional parties or meet their relatives. In
Bamyan
the occasion is getting some different shape as bigger shops or
semi-markets decorate
their surroundings with beautiful and colorful flags, banners and play
cards with
quotes and messages of affaction fo the Imam while offering biscuit with
tea,etc. to
each passerby.

The special attraction of the occasion is the arch or
locally known “gate” temporarily built in the center of the bazaar, which draws
the youths in the evenings and people during the day. Almost the entire bazaar is set to offer means of celebration for the communities. The only concern I
have is, “Are we truly celebrating the birthday of the Imam due to
being of the sect (Shiite) or is there very limited option for us to enjoy our
free times and celebrate these ceremonies for fun?” I have met several people during these days who favor any occasion
likewise to forget our worries, frustations increasing with the changed
geo-political situation of the region; however, some are of the belief that it
is to build that connection with the Almight and show our affection to the Imam
who we wait for to chage our fate – being miserable!

I do agree with it that the people of this region have
suffered much and now deserve peace and celebration. And whatever, the reason
lies behind it, I support locals enjoying all their religious, traditional and
local festivities for the sake of their happiness as there is a quote by Paulo Coelho,
“We can live only once, but if we do it right, even once is enough”. So to live the
timespan bestowed to each one of us, our life moments shall be filled with happiness for the
sake of oursleves.  

July 8, 2012