Written by the Bagram Media Center Tuesday, 23 March 2010 09:25
PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – In some countries the New Year is celebrated in January with champagne and resolutions. In others it’s celebrated in February with lanterns and fireworks. In Afghanistan – as Soldiers from Company A, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, recently learned – it’s celebrated in March with spears from horseback.
The Soldiers of “Angel” Company joined local leaders from Sharana city in Afghanistan’s Paktika province for a New Year’s feast followed by a performance by Afghan folk dancers, March 20.
The following day the Soldiers joined about 600 of Sharana’s citizens for Sangay festivities.
Sangay is a competition in which men attempt to dislodge a spike from the ground with a spear while at full gallop on horseback, said U.S. Army Capt. Matthew Sraj, 3-187 INF spokesman.
“The people of Sharana City feel safe and are confident in the capabilities of (Afghan National Security Forces) and (Coalition Force) in the area,” said Capt. Josh Powers, Co. A commander. “The entire city is celebrating the new year and shows little concern for enemy activity.”
