In Kyrgyzstan, it is proposed to regulate weddings and funerals. Draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers
The main tasks of this regulation are: maintaining order during family celebrations, preserving the moral and ethical values of society, and creating a unified approach to conducting national traditions in modern conditions.
The proposed rules pertain to the following events:
1) weddings;
2) farewell of the bride;
3) celebrations for cradle laying, cutting of ties, circumcision;
4) religious rituals: "Hajj", "Umrah";
5) funerals and memorial events (after three, seven, forty days, and anniversaries).
Organization of Weddings
When preparing weddings and other family celebrations, it is recommended to:
- limit the number of guests to 200 people;
- hold events within one day;
- avoid additional costs and complex phased events;
- not conduct large-scale weddings (more than 350 participants);
- avoid excessive food preparation;
- limit to the slaughter of one head of cattle or one horse.
Prohibited are:
- events that contradict national traditions and moral norms;
- rude and inappropriate jokes;
- demonstration of wealth and competition;
- wedding processions consisting of more than three cars;
- fireworks and excessive show programs;
- coercion to expensive gifts;
- inappropriate traditions such as "kiyit kiygizüü" (gifting clothing) and "tüştönüü" (organizing lunches).
It is also recommended to use photo and video services within reasonable limits. The farewell of the bride (kız uzatuu toyu) should be conducted with an emphasis on family and spiritual values.
Organization of Funerals and Memorials
When conducting funerals and memorial events, it is recommended to:
- hold the event on the day of the funeral without slaughtering livestock and with no limit on the number of participants;
- conduct explanatory work with the clergy about pompousness that does not comply with Sharia;
- adhere to sanitary norms and food safety requirements;
- during subsequent memorials, the slaughter of small livestock, a horse, or one head of cattle may be allowed;
- prepare a modest table;
- invite only the closest relatives of the deceased;
- instead of memorials, engage in charity, make donations to the mosque or for public needs.
Event organizers, including owners of tea houses and banquet halls, must follow the established rules. Sample standards for civil servants are also being developed.
According to the Ministry of Culture, family celebrations and memorial rituals have deep social and cultural significance for Kyrgyzstan. Traditions have preserved the spiritual values of the people, the unity of society, and connections between generations. However, in recent years, there has been a rise in expenses for such events, negatively affecting the financial situation of families.
The draft regulation aims to address these issues and establish unified principles for conducting rituals. "The goal of the project is not to limit the freedom of citizens in conducting traditions, but to create a reasonable and responsible approach considering the financial situation of citizens," notes the Ministry of Culture.
The project also outlines the powers of local authorities and self-government bodies, mechanisms for coordinating their work, which will ensure uniform application of the rules at the local level and interaction with society.
Regulation "On Measures for the Organization of Family Celebrations and Memorial Rituals in the Kyrgyz Republic"
General Provisions
1.1 The procedure for organizing family celebrations and memorial rituals (hereinafter referred to as the Procedure) regulates the organization and conduct of family celebrations and memorial rituals, including weddings, held on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as public relations in this sphere.
1.2 This Procedure has been developed for the implementation of the Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic dated February 24, 2022, No. 54 "On Measures for the Organization of Family Celebrations and Memorial Rituals in the Kyrgyz Republic".
1.3 This Procedure applies to the following family celebrations:
1) weddings;
2) farewell of the bride;
3) celebrations for cradle laying, cutting of ties, circumcision;
4) religious rituals: "Hajj", "Umrah";
5) funerals and memorial events (three days, seven days, forty days, anniversaries).
1.4 This Procedure is aimed at preventing excessive extravagance, ostentatious luxury, and unreasonable expenses, as well as public pressure.
Goals and Objectives
2.1 The main goal of this Procedure is to organize family celebrations, including weddings, rationally in accordance with national traditions, as well as to ensure their ethical and culturally responsible organization.
2.2 To promote the conduct of events in memory of the deceased in a calm and restrained atmosphere.
2.3 The objectives of this Procedure are:
- to form a culture of conducting family celebrations;
- to reduce financial pressure on young families;
- to preserve national traditions and customs;
- to prevent social inequality and excessive competition in society;
- to enhance the responsible attitude of citizens.
Procedure for Conducting Family Celebrations and Memorial Rituals
3.1 Procedure for Conducting Weddings
3.1.1 Weddings should be conducted considering the financial capabilities of the newlyweds and their parents, without incurring debts and credit funds.
3.1.2 When conducting weddings and other family celebrations, it is recommended to:
- limit the number of guests to 200 people;
- hold the wedding within one day;
- not organize events that require excessive phased and additional costs;
- not allow large-scale weddings (more than 350 people);
- not allow excessive food preparation;
- limit to the slaughter of one head of cattle or one horse.
3.1.3 The following manifestations are not allowed:
- events that contradict national traditions and moral norms;
- humiliating, rude, and inappropriate jokes;
- glorification of ostentatious wealth and competition;
- wedding processions consisting of more than three cars;
- fireworks and excessive show programs;
- coercion to expensive gifts;
- extravagant traditions such as "kiyit kiygizüü" (gifting clothing), "sebet berüü" (gifting baskets with treats), "tüştönüü" (organizing lunches).
3.1.4 It is recommended to promote the principle "A Modest Wedding is a Blessed Wedding".
3.1.5 It is recommended to organize photo and video services in a rational format.
3.2 Conducting the Farewell Party for the Bride (kız uzatuu toyu)
3.2.1 It is recommended to conduct the farewell party for the bride in a format that emphasizes family, educational, and spiritual values.
3.2.2 To preserve national and cultural values, it is recommended that religious figures and public organizations conduct explanatory work.
3.3 When conducting funerals and memorials, the following is recommended:
- the event on the day of the funeral without slaughtering livestock and without limiting the number of participants;
- conducting the anniversary of the memorial is not mandatory and is voluntary;
- it is clarified that the main essence of the events is prayer, patience, and unity;
- explanations regarding excessive festivities that do not comply with Sharia are provided through representatives of the clergy;
- food safety requirements and sanitary-hygienic norms must be observed.
- during subsequent memorials, the slaughter of small livestock or, at the choice of the organizers, a horse or one head of cattle is allowed;
- preparation of a modest table;
- invite only the closest relatives of the deceased to the memorial events;
- instead of conducting memorials, it is recommended to engage in charity, make donations to the mosque or for public needs;
Powers of State Authorities and Local Self-Government Bodies
4.1 Local state administrations and local self-government bodies:
- conduct explanatory and promotional work among the population;
- organize work to reduce public pressure involving representatives of the clergy, veterans, women's and youth councils;
- disseminate exemplary simple celebrations through the media and social networks;
- develop and distribute unified recommendations.
Parties Involved in Organizing Family Celebrations
5.1 Owners of tea houses and banquet halls, toastmasters, and other organizers are required to comply with the requirements of this Procedure.
5.2 It is not allowed to impose services on clients that require excessive costs.
Control over the Implementation of this Procedure
6.1 Sample standards for conducting family celebrations for civil servants are being developed.
6.2 Ethical norms must be observed to prevent the organization of excessive festivities.
6.3 The simplicity of civil servants is demonstrated to society as a positive example.
Responsibility for Violating this Procedure
1. Persons who violate the requirements of this Procedure shall be held accountable in accordance with the Code of Offenses of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Related materials:
