In Kyrgyzstan, the procedure for family celebrations and rituals will be changed

Сергей Мацера • 16.01.2026, 18:44 • Politics

Some rituals may be canceled
In Kyrgyzstan, it is planned to revise the rules and norms regarding family events and rituals. The Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy has already presented a corresponding draft law for public discussion.
The aim of the changes is to streamline the conduct of celebrations and reduce unnecessary financial expenditures, which is especially important given the current socio-economic situation of citizens.
The presented draft "On Measures to Regulate Family Celebrations and Memorial Rituals" covers events such as weddings, bride send-offs, rituals related to childbirth, religious ceremonies (for example, Hajj and Umrah), as well as funerals and memorial meals (after three, seven, forty days, and anniversaries).
Regarding weddings, it is recommended to:

avoid debts and loans, relying on the family's actual financial capabilities;
limit the number of guests to 200 people;
hold the event within one day;
not allow large weddings with more than 350 participants;
limit the slaughter of livestock to one head of cattle or one horse;
reduce excessive food preparation.

Additionally, it is not recommended to hold wedding processions consisting of more than three cars, organize fireworks and large-scale shows, or pressure for expensive gifts and display ostentatious wealth.
The draft law also proposes to abandon some traditional customs, such as "kiyit kiigizüü" (gifting clothing), "sebet berüü" (giving baskets of treats), and "tüshtönüü" (organizing lunches), and to promote the slogan "A modest wedding is a blessed wedding."
The bride send-off (kız uzatuu toyu) should take place in a more modest setting, emphasizing family and spiritual values.
As for funerals and memorial events, it is proposed to:

not conduct livestock slaughter on the day of the funeral;
consider the anniversary of the memorial as a voluntary matter;
limit the number of invitees to close relatives;
allow the slaughter of small livestock or one head of cattle or horse at subsequent memorials;
organize a modest table while adhering to sanitary norms;
instead of lavish memorials, encourage charity and donations for public needs.

The draft also clarifies the powers of local state administrations and local self-government bodies, which will be responsible for educating the population, reducing public pressure, and promoting examples of simple and modest celebrations through mass media and social networks.
Organizers, including banquet hall owners and toastmasters, are required to follow the new requirements and not impose services that may lead to excessive expenses.
Violating the new norms will result in accountability.
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