Marking the second Nowruz under Taliban rule amid economic woes, Afghans are welcoming the New Year with the hope of positive changes and prosperity in their war-torn country.

The messenger of nature, Nowruz, is back with glad tidings of unadulterated and unmatched beauty and joy.

This program is about Nowruz, a cultural bridge uniting people.

Afghans have begun Nowruz or Persian New Year amid violence and bloodshed. This year, however, the government has organized special events to relieve sufferings of the residents of the war-torn country.

As the Persian New Year nears, Iranians are gearing up to celebrate the festive occasion amid restrictions.

Nowruz marks the first day of spring and is celebrated on the day of the astronomical vernal equinox, which usually occurs on March 21.

Nowruz is being celebrated in Italy. A number of events attended by many Italians have been organized in Rome and other cities across the country to mark the Persian new year.