Taliban’s Eid Restrictions: Women’s Gathering Banned in Takhar and Baghlan Provinces

The Taliban’s Directorate of Guidance, Hajj, and Endowments has ordered a ban on group gatherings of women during Eid in Takhar and Baghlan provinces.

On Wednesday, 19 April, the Directorate sent written notices to the imams and preachers of mosques in these provinces, instructing them to mention the name of Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban leader, during the Eid prayer sermon.

The notices also remind that the message of Eid from the Taliban leader should be read as a complementary message during the Eid prayer sermon.

According to the Taliban’s Directorate of Guidance, Hajj, and Endowments in these provinces, people should also refrain from going to mourning homes to avoid renewing grief and sadness during Eid.

The notice states: “People are advised to refrain from inappropriate games such as Tokhm Jangi, Morgh Jangi, etc. during Eid days.”

It should be noted that restricting women’s social life is not a new practice for the Taliban. They have also banned the education and work of women and girls.