On August 15, 2025, the Taliban will mark the fourth anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan with a striking and symbolic gesture: showering the capital city of Kabul with colorful flowers from helicopters. According to the Associated Press, the spectacle is part of a series of festivities planned by the Taliban government, aiming to project an image of peace and celebration despite the country’s ongoing economic and humanitarian struggles.
The Taliban, who seized control of Afghanistan on August 15, 2021—mere weeks before the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces after a protracted, costly war—are orchestrating these celebrations to commemorate what they consider a pivotal moment in the nation’s recent history. Habib Ghofran, the spokesperson for the Information and Culture Ministry, announced that Defense Ministry helicopters would conduct "beautiful aerial displays" over Kabul, releasing showers of flowers across the city. The event is expected to transform the skyline, if only temporarily, into a cascade of vibrant colors—a sharp contrast to the black and white Taliban flags that were displayed across Kabul on the eve of the anniversary, as reported by the Associated Press.
Beyond the aerial displays, the day’s festivities will include sports performances by Afghan athletes, running from the afternoon through the early evening. These athletic demonstrations, according to Ghofran, are intended to foster a sense of unity and national pride among Afghans, many of whom remain deeply divided over the country’s direction and the Taliban’s policies.
Yet, beneath the surface of celebration, Afghanistan faces a daunting array of challenges. The country is grappling with a massive influx of refugees from neighboring countries, a faltering economy, and a sharp reduction in foreign aid—particularly from the United States. As detailed by the Associated Press, nearly 10 million Afghans are suffering from acute food insecurity, and one in three children is stunted due to malnutrition. The situation has only been exacerbated by ongoing political instability and the Taliban’s restrictive social policies.
Economic hardship is a daily reality for many Afghans. With foreign funding slashed and international sanctions still biting, the Taliban administration has struggled to provide basic services and economic opportunities. Public sector salaries are often delayed, inflation is rampant, and job opportunities remain scarce. For ordinary citizens, the flower shower may offer a brief respite from these hardships, but it does little to address the underlying issues that have plagued Afghanistan since the Taliban’s takeover.
One of the most contentious aspects of the Taliban’s rule has been its treatment of women and girls. As noted by the Associated Press, females are currently barred from education beyond the sixth grade, excluded from many jobs, and restricted from most public spaces. Calls for change have grown louder, both within Afghanistan and among the international community. Zafar Momand, a Kabul resident, captured the sentiment of many when he said, "Along with peace we need employment and education opportunities. If these problems are solved then Afghanistan is the best country to live. Women are also an important part of society. They should also have education and work opportunities."
The Taliban, however, have shown little willingness to relax these restrictions. Last year’s anniversary celebrations, held at Bagram Airfield—a site once synonymous with the U.S. military presence—were notable for the complete exclusion of women, including female journalists from major outlets such as the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. This year, it remains unclear whether women will be permitted to attend the festivities, either as participants or spectators. The uncertainty speaks volumes about the current state of gender equality in Afghanistan and the ongoing struggle for women’s rights.
Despite these challenges, some within the country see the anniversary as an opportunity for reconciliation and national unity. Ahsan Ullah Khan, hailing from northern Sar-e-Pul province, encouraged members of the Afghan diaspora to return home, suggesting that they would find a peaceful and happy nation. "Come back and see how peaceful the country is and how happy the people are," he urged. For many Afghans abroad, however, the reality on the ground remains fraught with uncertainty and risk, particularly for women, ethnic minorities, and those who worked with the former government or international organizations.
The Taliban’s efforts to present a peaceful and unified image are not without their critics. Human rights organizations and many in the international community continue to raise concerns about the lack of political freedoms, the suppression of dissent, and the dire humanitarian situation. The United Nations and various NGOs have repeatedly called for the restoration of women’s rights and for greater access to education and employment for all Afghans. The ongoing food crisis, coupled with mass displacement caused by conflict and natural disasters, has made Afghanistan one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian emergencies.
Meanwhile, the Taliban leadership faces mounting pressure to deliver on promises of stability and development. The influx of refugees from neighboring countries—many of whom are returning involuntarily—has strained already limited resources and heightened social tensions. With international aid dwindling and diplomatic recognition still elusive, the Taliban’s ability to govern effectively is being put to the test.
As Kabul prepares for the flower shower and the accompanying celebrations, the city is awash in both anticipation and apprehension. For some, the festivities represent a chance to come together and momentarily forget the hardships of daily life. For others, particularly women and marginalized groups, the anniversary is a stark reminder of freedoms lost and opportunities denied. The contrast between the spectacle in the skies and the struggles on the ground could not be more pronounced.
Looking back, the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 marked a seismic shift in Afghanistan’s trajectory. The withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces ended two decades of foreign intervention but left behind a nation deeply scarred by war and division. The Taliban’s promises of peace and security have been met with skepticism, especially as social and economic conditions have deteriorated for many.
This year’s anniversary, with its flower showers and public displays, is as much about symbolism as it is about celebration. It is an attempt by the Taliban to assert their legitimacy and to project an image of normalcy to both Afghans and the wider world. Whether these efforts will succeed in uniting a fractured nation—or simply paper over deeper divisions—remains to be seen.
As the last petals fall over Kabul, Afghanistan’s future hangs in the balance, caught between the hope of renewal and the weight of unresolved challenges.
