Afghani Culture In Kolkata

Zaffar reports on the particularities of the culture of Kolkata’s Afghan community.

Kabuliwalas of Kolkata – people of Afghan origin – arrived in the city in the late 19th, early 20th century. The majority of them originate from the region of Pakhita. The community migrated to India, bringing with them spices and dry fruits, and many of them settled and started business as moneylenders.

Zaffar, VV correspondent in Kolkata, belongs to this community. With parents of Afghan origin, he has grown up in the community and celebrated its festivals. He decided to make a video to tell the story of their particular culture.

They have developed a strong attachment to India, while retaining their original culture and traditions. Most of them still speak their original language, and celebrate their festivals. In the video, we see the men of the community dancing at the Eid celebrations.

“There are a lot of differences between Afghanistan and India; the food, the dressing style, the customs. But what is similar is the attachment to culture,” said Zaffar.

However, an increasing number of members of the community are opting for the Indian nationality, and the younger generation is slowly adopting a new, more cosmopolitan lifestyle. Zaffar hopes that Kabuliwalas’ culture will be kept alive for long.

Zaffar Khan
Zaffar is a Muslim Afghan born in Bihar. His family fled Afghanistan after the Russians invasion in 1978. Zaffar currently lives in Kolkata, where he manages his own sports-based nonprofit. Through Rubgy, he helps kids bond across cultural and communal lines. Zaffar wants to continue to bridge these identity divides through community media.

Zaffar Khan has produced 7 stories for us.