In Kabul, wedding halls bring respite from gloom

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When the Afghan capital falls on Kabul at the end of the night, the city is wrapped in darkness, which contains only a few dim light and neon symbols that are caused by thick winter smoke.

However, on some street coaches, shining lights stand in the opposite side of the wedding halls, which offer a rare glimpse of happiness in Kabul.

In the city of more than six million, repeated power outages put long shadows, so only rich people can afford the luxury of generators or solar panels to illuminate their surroundings.

In addition to some shopkeepers, the roads are deserted, which are quite the opposite of the stir of the day -time chaos.

People get into the house due to cold shelter and lack of night -time activities.

Since the Taliban took power in 2021 and enforced their stringent rules, the veil of sadness has wrapped up the capital.

No music is spreading from the restaurant because it is forbidden, women are banned from parks, and walls adorned with colorful prographs have been sprayed with sacred war calls.

The wedding halls only begin a bright light that closes the city center and avoids some Taliban scrutiny, as marriage is paid in Afghan culture.

High roof halls are separated by gender, which is tolerated by women only.

“In Afghanistan, the wedding ceremony is the most important event for girls and boys. This is once in life. We do not have much divorce.” The white and gold hall that shines with Gillets reminiscent of Las Vegas Casino.

“This is the beginning of a new life so light should be everywhere, which is why the city is bright, it should have a little luxury!” He told AFP.

‘Weddings needed’

Plastic flowers, throne style sofas, gleded trimming and neon lights flags fill four halls of the complex, some of which can replace 7,000 guests.

The 32 -year -old National says it spends $ 25,000 to $ 30,000 every month for municipal electricity, which provides electricity for a few hours a day.

HE HE, to maintain lights, pays only less than 000, less than 15,000 for generators.

According to the UN Development Program, to support their expenses, they pay up to 000 20,000 for marriage, where according to the UN Development Program, 85 % of the population is less than a day. Lives

“There is a need in Afghan culture in weddings, you have to invite more people” even if it means going to debt, said Stars Palace Hall owner Haji Saifullah Asamafi.

In another district of the capital, the City Star welcomes its guests, with Khakastari and gold grinning of three sculptures and a huge shining pavement in front.

“Electricity is very expensive,” the owner accepts the 24 -year -old Cyrman.

But, he added, “People in Afghanistan like bright colors”.

‘The city’s sparkle’

It has invested in the solar panel and spent 19,900, from 000 to 19,900, on generators and electricity, which only covers six to seven hours a day, “and not always at night.

Afghanistan depends on its Central Asian neighboring countries for imported electricity.

With the hopes of increasing supply, the country is involved in several regional bilateral projects, but progress is slow.

“The current demand in Afghanistan is about 7,000 to 8,000 megawatts but they currently produce about 1,000 1,000 megawatts locally and import the rest from Central Asia,” a sector specialist who Demanded for his name, he added that renewable energy sources should be prepared but it should be financed. There was a shortage.

The power cuts also affect the heating system, the temperature easily falls below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).

Kabul residents use stoves, burn almost anything from coal and wood to plastic or domestic waste, which produces pollution fog in the city between the surface sea 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) mountains. Is

The national said, at night, the wedding halls are “the shine of the city”. “Here, everyone is very happy.”

“People come here to meet friends and family, (they) wear new clothes, jewelry … show a lot,” he said about the guardians who were enjoying the only place in Kabul.