The Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy has presented a draft resolution for discussion regarding the regulation of family celebrations and memorial rituals.
This document aims to simplify the organization of family events and rituals related to the commemoration of the deceased, as well as to reduce unnecessary expenses, considering the current socio-economic situation of citizens.
According to the ministry's statement, traditional family celebrations and memorial rituals have historically played an important role in Kyrgyz society, contributing to the maintenance of spiritual values and social cohesion. However, in recent years, there has been a rise in cases of excessive spending on weddings, anniversaries, and funerals, often leading to debt obligations and a deterioration of families' financial situations.The department believes that the new order will help reduce social tension, strengthen family values, and enhance the level of social protection for citizens while preserving national traditions in modern conditions.
The draft resolution covers the organization of weddings, bride send-offs, rituals related to childbirth, religious rituals (Hajj, Umrah), as well as funerals and memorials (three, seven, forty days, and anniversaries).
It has been developed in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic dated February 24, 2022, No. 54, with the intention of preventing excessive spending and public pressure during family celebrations.
Regarding weddings, the following is recommended:
- to hold events without resorting to loans, considering the family's actual financial capabilities;
- to limit the number of guests to 200 people;
- to organize the wedding in one day;
- to avoid large celebrations with more than 350 participants;
- to limit the slaughter of livestock to one head of cattle or one horse;
- to avoid excessive food preparation.
The document emphasizes the need to abandon traditional extravagant practices, such as "kiyit kiigizüü" (gifting clothing) and "sebet berüü" (gifting baskets of treats), preordaining the principle "A modest wedding is a blessed wedding."The bride send-off (kız uzatuu toyu) should also take place in a more modest format, focusing on family and spiritual values.
When organizing funerals and memorial events, the following recommendations are proposed:
- not to conduct livestock slaughter on the day of the funeral;
- to consider the anniversary of the memorial as a voluntary event;
- to limit the circle of invitees to close relatives;
- to allow the slaughter of small livestock or one head of cattle at subsequent memorials;
- to organize a modest table and adhere to sanitary norms;
- to encourage charity instead of lavish memorials.
It is important to note that banquet hall owners, event hosts, and other organizers are required to follow this order and not impose services that contribute to unnecessary expenses.
Control over the implementation of the order includes the development of standards for conducting family celebrations, especially for civil servants, and individuals who do not comply with the requirements will be held accountable in accordance with the Code of Offenses of the Kyrgyz Republic.
