The draft resolution under consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers aims to reduce financial pressure on families and regulate traditional events.
The main idea of this document is to create order during both wedding and memorial events to avoid excessive spending and preserve the moral and ethical values of society. It also emphasizes the need to establish a unified approach to conducting national traditions in modern conditions.
Among the proposed measures:
- At weddings and family celebrations, the number of guests should not exceed 200, with the slaughter of no more than one cow or horse allowed.
- Weddings with more than 350 participants will be prohibited.
- Fireworks, extravagant shows, and costly traditions such as kiyit kiigizuu, sebete beruu, and tushtonduuru will be banned.
- On the day of the funeral, it is recommended not to slaughter livestock.
- The anniversary (ash) will be held at will, without obligation.
- For memorials (3, 7, and 40 days), only small livestock or one horse or cow may be slaughtered.
Instead of lavish memorials, authorities propose an alternative in the form of charitable actions, donations to mosques, or for public needs.
As stated in the explanatory note, the goal of this project is not to restrict traditions but to organize them, as many families find themselves in debt to maintain social status.
The draft resolution also defines the role of local authorities in explaining and monitoring compliance with the new rules.
Draft
Appendix
ORDER
On measures to regulate family celebrations and memorial rites in the Kyrgyz Republic
General Provisions
1.1 The procedure for organizing events to regulate family celebrations and memorial rites (hereinafter referred to as the Procedure) governs the organization of weddings and memorial events, as well as relationships in this area.
1.2 This Procedure 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 The Procedure covers the following events:
1) weddings;
2) the farewell of the bride;
3) celebrations related to laying in the cradle, cutting ties, circumcision;
4) religious rites: "Hajj", "Umrah";
5) funerals and memorial events (three days, seven days, forty days, anniversary).
1.4 The purpose of this Procedure is to prevent excessive spending, ostentatious luxury, and unreasonable expenses, as well as social pressure.
Goals and Objectives
2.1 The main task of the Procedure is to organize family celebrations, including weddings, in accordance with national traditions and with cultural responsibility.
2.2 Creating conditions for conducting events in memory of the deceased in a calm atmosphere.
2.3 The objectives of the Procedure include:
— forming a culture of conducting family events;
— reducing financial pressure on young families;
— preserving national traditions;
— preventing social inequality;
— increasing citizen responsibility.
Procedure for Conducting Family Celebrations and Memorial Rites
3.1 Procedure for conducting weddings
3.1.1 Weddings should correspond to the financial capabilities of the newlyweds and their parents, without incurring debt.
3.1.2 When organizing weddings and celebrations, it is recommended to:
— limit the number of guests to 200;
— hold the wedding within one day;
— avoid events with excessive costs;
— prohibit large weddings (more than 350 people);
— avoid excessive food preparation;
— limit the slaughter to one head of livestock or one horse.
3.1.3 The following are prohibited:
— events that contradict national traditions;
— inappropriate jokes and glorification of wealth;
— wedding processions exceeding three vehicles;
— fireworks and lavish shows;
— coercion to expensive gifts;
— extravagant traditions such as "kiyit kiigizuu", "sebete берүү", "түштөнүү".
3.1.4 It is recommended to promote the principle "A modest wedding is a blessed wedding".
3.1.5 Photo and video services should be organized in a rational format.
3.2 Conducting the farewell party for the bride (kız uzatuu toyu)
3.2.1 It is recommended to hold the farewell party in a format that emphasizes family and spiritual values.
3.2.2 Religious figures and community organizations should conduct explanatory work to preserve cultural values.
3.3 When organizing funerals and memorials, it is recommended to:
— conduct events on the day of the funeral without slaughtering livestock and without limiting the number of participants;
— the anniversary of the memorial is optional;
— focus on prayer and unity;
— the clergy should explain about excessive celebrations;
— comply with sanitary norms;
— at subsequent memorials, the slaughter of small livestock or one head of large cattle is allowed;
— set a modest table;
— invite only close relatives;
— instead of memorials, engage in charity.
Powers of State Authorities and Local Self-Government Bodies
4.1 Local authorities are obliged to:
— conduct explanatory work;
— reduce social pressure with the help of clergy and community councils;
— promote exemplary celebrations through the media;
— develop and disseminate recommendations.
Parties Involved in Organizing Family Celebrations
5.1 Owners of cafes and banquet halls, toastmasters, and organizers must comply with the requirements of the Procedure.
5.2 The imposition of services with excessive costs is prohibited.
Control over the Implementation of this Procedure
6.1 Standards for civil servants conducting family events are being developed. 6.2 It is necessary to adhere to ethical norms to avoid excessive celebrations.
6.3 The positive example of the simplicity of civil servants should be demonstrated to society.
Responsibility for Violating this Procedure
- Individuals who violate the requirements of the Procedure will be held accountable in accordance with the Code of Offenses of the Kyrgyz Republic.
