Poetry festival signifies Farah’s step towards normalcy

FARAH, Afghanistan (May 08, 2010) – The Farah Provincial Governor hosted the Anab Gull Poetry Festival on his compound, as an effort to celebrate and showcase the rich cultural history of Farah Province with its citizens in Farah

The audience was made up of coalition forces, provincial leadership and Afghans from all of the 10 districts of Farah province. These poetry festivals are held throughout Afghanistan, but this was the first in Farah in two years because of security concerns.

 

“This poetry festival is an opportunity for Afghans to show cultural freedom. Poets are free to express their mind, to show their identity and to exercise their freedom of speech,” said Farah Provincial Governor Rahool Amin. “Let’s try to progress positively and openly.”  

Male and female poets of all ages recited lyrics referencing love, fruits, governance, the importance of education and beauty that lie within Afghanistan.

A young male poet spoke about his desire to be educated, expressed his loyalty to his country, and touched on his willingness to fight insurgents until the end of time.

After the poetry readings, local Afghan musicians performed. Men showcased their national dance in a large circle while musicians sang and played the drums and keyboards. There was even a special dance, in which Afghanistan National Police and Afghanistan National Army taught the U.S. military forces a local dance.

“This cultural event is one step closer to normalcy” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jim Mann, Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah commander.

The Anab Gull Poetry Festival was not given its name by accident. “Anab” is the name of one of the most popular fruits in Farah, and “Gull” means flower. According to Gov. Amin, hosting poetry festivals like this allows Afghans the opportunity to openly take advantage of their right to freedom of speech and inevitably enhances cultural growth in the region.