AFGAHN WOMAN IN KABUL PURCHASES FISH FOR NOWRUZ THE NEW YEARS FESTIVAL

Afghans swarm a fish seller in Kabul as they stock up on fried and raw fish March 20, 2002 in advance of the Nowruz, or new years festival, which falls tomorrow. Afghans are preparing for the festival which was banned during the six years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan. Traditionally, Afghans buy food stuffs such as fish and nuts and the festival is also a favored time for marriage engagements. REUTERS/Jim Hollander