MSNBC: Afghans recapture joy of lost holiday:

It is the eve of Eid al-Fitr, a three-day holiday celebrating the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, and much of the capital has come alive with a festive spirit not felt here since 1996, when the rigid Taliban Islamic movement took power in Kabul and snuffed out the city’s soul. Now, with the abrupt departure of Taliban forces from Kabul on Nov. 13 and their final surrender of power in the city of Kandahar last week, many of Kabul’s residents plan to celebrate with a vengeance.