Afghan Colony (The ‘little Kabul’ right in the heart of Delhi)

Introduction

India has time and again witnessed a rush of Afghani refugees leaving their homes and settling in various parts of the country.

The Afghans have been fleeing their homeland since 1978 after the Saur revolution and then more fled during the Soviet invasions in 1979. Another  wave of people fleeing the country hit it during the civil war in 1990’s and more migration took place when Taliban took over the country.

The Afghanistan refugees have preferred India as their asylum because of the easy accessibility to the resources they get here, ease of access to health centers, education, security and most importantly freedom and safety, compared to the kind of environment they were exposed to in Afghanistan.

Delhi itself has various pockets whereby the Afghanis have made their new homes. One of such places is in the colony of Lajpat Nagar II, Central Delhi.

It is so full of Afghan population that it is now known as the ‘Little Kabul.’

I set out to understand the life, culture, pains and trials of the people living in the so-called Little Kabul.

Walking down the  Lanes

At the behest of my exploration I came across people of dark eyes, fair skin, bright shiny smiles wearing exotic kaftans speaking Pashto. They are seen casually swarming in and around the areas of Lajpat Nagar.

From the street vendors to owners of big stores and restaurants, you will find yourself surrounded by Afghans.

The people are a little shy and try to avoid eye contact. However, once you have established trust, they are the most beautiful souls you’ve ever met.

Built under the basement of a two-storied house, this general store owned by two middle-aged Afghans caters to basic need of the people.

Built under the basement of a two-storied house, this general store owned by two middle-aged Afghans caters to basic need of the people.

A few Afghans own the restaurants and serve the exotic Afghan food.

This particular place was intriguing with its billboard. Apart from their language, the board also had the Afghanistan’s flag.

The moment you enter the restaurant, you are greeted with utmost respect and warmth and you come across a huge painting of the Blue Mosque on your right.