On 21 March, 2021, on the first day of Nowruz celebrations, festive concerts bringing together many people were held along the canal in Choganly. The festivities, including concerts, fairs and swing rides, are scheduled to be held on 22 March in the district of Yaila, where the White Yurt has been installed.
Ashgabat has experienced irregular public transport service, which is quite common during large-scale events. Thousands of residents tried to get to the specified meeting points on time and for this reason buses failed to hand a passenger flow. For instance, there was a shortage of buses on bus routes №№ 23, 33, 35.
On the one hand, serious restrictions imposed as prevention measures against the spread of COVID-19 are still valid in Turkmenistan.For example, travel between the provinces is banned.
On the other hand, mass events mobilizing people under the threat of terminations are underway.People have to get to the venue in overcrowded buses.Judging by footage of the Turkmen television, participants of the festivities are not wearing masks.
It should be emphasized that large-scale COVID-19 vaccination campaign has not yet been launched in Turkmenistan.As of today, military personnel, healthcare practitioners and residents over 70 years old are being vaccinated.The post Large-scale Nowruz festivities are being held in Turkmenistan despite COVID-19 restrictions first appeared on Chronicles of Turkmenistan.