The main objective of this project is to regulate the conduct of family celebrations and rites associated with the commemoration of the deceased in the context of a challenging socio-economic situation. This will help reduce unnecessary expenses, preserve moral and ethical values, and create a unified mechanism for celebrating national traditions in modern realities.
The proposed measures concern the following family celebrations:
1) weddings;
2) farewell ceremonies for brides;
3) celebrations related to cradle laying, cutting of ties, and circumcision;
4) religious rites: "Hajj," "Umrah";
5) funerals and memorial events (after three, seven, forty days, and anniversaries).
Wedding Organization
In organizing weddings and other family events, it is recommended to:
- limit the number of participants to 200 people;
- hold celebrations within one day;
- avoid events that require significant expenses and a multi-stage approach;
- prohibit large weddings (more than 350 people);
- refrain from excessive food preparation;
- limit to the slaughter of one head of cattle or one horse.
It is prohibited to:
- organize events that contradict national traditions and moral norms;
- use inappropriate jokes and derogatory comments;
- demonstrate wealth and competition;
- have wedding convoys consisting of more than three cars;
- use fireworks and excessive show programs;
- coerce expensive gifts;
- engage in extravagant customs such as "kiyit kiygizüü" (gifting clothing) and "sebet berüü" (gifting baskets with treats).
It is recommended to organize photo and video services rationally. Farewell evenings for brides (kız uzatuu toyu) should emphasize family, educational, and spiritual values.
Funeral and Memorial Organization
When conducting these events, it is recommended to consider the following:
- hold events on the day of the funeral without slaughtering livestock and without restrictions on the number of participants;
- provide explanations through representatives of the clergy about the inadmissibility of excessive celebrations that contradict Sharia;
- comply with sanitary norms and food safety requirements;
- for subsequent memorials, the slaughter of small livestock is allowed, or, at the organizers' discretion, a horse or one head of cattle;
- prepare a modest table;
- invite only close relatives of the deceased;
- instead of memorials, engage in charity, making donations to mosques or for public needs.
Organizers, such as owners of teahouses and banquet halls, as well as toastmasters, must adhere to the established requirements. Sample standards for civil servants conducting family celebrations are also being developed.
The Ministry of Culture emphasizes that in Kyrgyzstan, family celebrations and memorial rites hold significant social and cultural importance. These traditions have contributed to the preservation of the spiritual values of the people and the strengthening of ties between generations for centuries. However, in recent years, there have been cases of excessive spending on such events, negatively impacting the socio-economic situation of families.
The draft resolution aims to address these issues and establish common principles for organizing rites.
"The goal of the project is not to restrict citizens' freedom in conducting rites and traditions but to form a reasonable and responsible approach considering their financial capabilities. The document emphasizes preventing extravagance in celebrations and events in memory of the deceased, as well as preserving the essence of national traditions," reports the Ministry of Culture.
The project clearly outlines the roles of local state administrations and self-government bodies, as well as mechanisms for their coordination. This will create conditions for the uniform application of order at the local level, regular information dissemination to the population, and close interaction with society, notes the Ministry of Culture.
Draft Order "On Measures to Regulate Family Celebrations and Memorial Rites in the Kyrgyz Republic"
General Provisions
1.1 This Order regulates the organization and conduct of family celebrations and memorial rites, including weddings, on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as public relations in this area.
1.2 This Order has been developed in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic dated February 24, 2022, No. 54 "On Measures to Regulate Family Celebrations and Memorial Rites in the Kyrgyz Republic."
1.3 This Order applies to the following family celebrations:
1) weddings;
2) farewell ceremonies for brides;
3) celebrations for cradle laying, cutting of ties, circumcision;
4) religious rites: "Hajj," "Umrah";
5) funerals and memorial events (three days, seven days, forty days, anniversaries).
1.4 This Order aims to prevent excessive extravagance, ostentatious luxury, and unreasonable expenses, as well as social pressure.
Goals and Objectives
2.1 The main goal of this Order is to regulate the conduct of 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 Order 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 responsible attitudes among citizens.
Order of Conducting Family Celebrations and Memorial Rites
3.1 Order of Conducting Weddings
3.1.1 Weddings should be conducted considering the financial capabilities of the newlyweds and their parents, without incurring debts or loans.
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 stepwise and additional costs;
- prohibit large-scale weddings (more than 350 people);
- prohibit 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 convoys 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:
- hold the event on the day of the funeral without slaughtering livestock and without limiting the number of participants;
- holding the anniversary of the memorial is not mandatory and is voluntary;
- it is explained that the main essence of the events is prayer, patience, and unity;
- explanations regarding excessive celebrations that do not comply with Sharia are provided through representatives of the clergy;
- food safety requirements and sanitary-hygienic norms must be observed.
- for 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 memorial events;
- instead of memorials, it is recommended to engage in charity, making donations to mosques 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 efforts to reduce social pressure with the involvement of representatives of the clergy, veterans, women's and youth councils;
- disseminate exemplary simple celebrations through media and social networks;
- develop and distribute unified recommendations.
Parties Involved in Organizing Family Celebrations
5.1 Owners of teahouses and banquet halls, toastmasters, and other organizers must comply with the requirements of this Order.
5.2 It is not allowed to impose services on clients that require excessive costs.
Control over the Implementation of this Order
6.1. Sample standards for civil servants conducting family celebrations are being developed.
6.2. Ethical norms must be observed, excluding the organization of excessive celebrations.
6.3. The simplicity of civil servants is demonstrated to society as a positive example.
Responsibility for Violating this Order
1. Individuals who violate the requirements of this Order shall be held accountable in accordance with the Code of Offenses of the Kyrgyz Republic.
