Shopkeepers: Out of fear of Taliban, we did not offer Valentine's items

On February 14, as many countries worldwide celebrate Valentine's Day, the Taliban have banned its observance in Afghanistan.

In Herat's Park-e-Taraghi, a location known for its numerous restaurants and flower shops, particularly on special occasions like Valentine's Day, signs reading "Valentine forbidden" have been posted at the entrances of flower shops.

Farishta Mursel, a Herat resident, said: "Today is February 14, Valentine's Day. The Taliban are present in every corner of the city preventing Valentine's celebrations. Signs saying 'Valentine forbidden' are at the entrances of flower shops, but couples use this day as an excuse to increase their affection by giving each other gifts."

Arzoo Hamidi, another Herat resident, added: "Look, celebrating Valentine's Day does not mean we are following infidels. This day is an excuse to create smiles and distance from anger and sadness. Couples or engaged people renew their life commitments on this day."

In Kabul, the Taliban have stationed muhtasebs near some restaurants and entertainment centers to monitor activities.

Some shopkeepers say they were warned against decorating shops with heart symbols and red colors.

A Kabul shopkeeper said: "On this day, all shopkeepers were told not to bring items that are bought on this day into their shops. This is a Western day. We are Muslims and should not normalize Western culture. We were forced to not bring Valentine's items out of fear of the Taliban."

Taliban officials have previously stated that celebrating Valentine's Day is incompatible with Islamic and cultural values of society and have prohibited the sale of related symbols, including red flowers, greeting cards, and special gifts.

The Taliban have not released specific statistics on encounters or punitive actions related to this day, but the atmosphere of surveillance and restrictions has made its observance more subdued and cautious compared to years before 2021.