This practice cannot be eradicated through persuasion – such is the mentality of the countries in the region. Explaining to people that traditions should be observed while reasonably budgeting is only possible through strict prohibitions and corresponding laws. A similar practice already exists in Tajikistan. The Committee for Religious Affairs and Ritual Compliance of the republic, according to the law "On the Regulation of Traditions, Celebrations, and Rituals in the Republic of Tajikistan" adopted by presidential decree of Emomali Rahmon, strictly monitors that all celebrations and rituals in the country are conducted appropriately but within reasonable financial limits. Since 2007, according to the agency's statistics, Tajiks have managed to save over 5 million US dollars by holding more modest weddings, spending the money on setting up young families' households, honeymoon trips, starting their small businesses, or saving for emergencies. There is a similar law in Uzbekistan, but wedding organizers periodically ignore it. Now, however, the issue of reducing excessive spending on celebrations has also been considered in Kyrgyzstan. Parliament deputies have submitted a draft law aimed at regulating the conduct of celebrations and rituals.
It is proposed to significantly reduce all possible expenses. For example, organizing events in honor of appointments, promotions, awards, academic degrees, as well as holding corporate celebrations in government bodies and local self-government at the expense of the state budget is prohibited. In administrative buildings of state and municipal bodies, it is proposed to ban celebrations involving the consumption of alcoholic beverages. The ritual "beshikke saluu" (placing a child in a cradle) and birthdays are suggested to be celebrated only within the family circle, while the rituals "tushoo keshu" (circumcision feast) and "synnot toi" (wedding) are limited to no more than 100 invited guests. At the latter, gift-giving is prohibited except for the boy being celebrated. The ritual "uylanyn toi" (wedding) should be conducted within one day with a banquet for up to 150 people, while "kyz uzatuu" (bride's farewell) should have no more than 50 guests. During national wedding rituals, gifting clothing to guests from both sides and relatives of the bride and groom is prohibited, except for gifts to the groom, bride, and their parents. Additionally, arriving at the civil registry office with more than 5 cars will be prohibited.
Funerals will also become less extravagant. Thus, the memorial prayer will, if the law is adopted, take place without the slaughter of large and small cattle or horses. Livestock will not be slaughtered for the rituals held on the third, seventh, fortieth days, and the year after a person's death; however, honoring their memory can be done with other non-prohibited religious products, and no more than 100 people may attend the memorial service. It is also proposed to prohibit the giving of money and other items during funeral and mourning rituals, except for the payment of the gravedigger and washer.
For now, the law's provisions will be directed at political, special, and administrative officials of state bodies, as well as political and administrative officials of municipal bodies. According to the initiators of the draft law, the habit of spending tens of thousands of dollars on lavish celebrations among ordinary citizens arises after they see such events among their bureaucratic neighbors and relatives. They do not want to lose face and strive to hold celebrations that are no worse, even if it means going into debt. There are other reasons for this as well.
- Why did we specify government officials? They flaunt their wealth during celebrations. People see this and lose trust in the representative of state authority. Therefore, we want to first prohibit the expenses of state and municipal employees, - explained one of the law's initiators, deputy from the SDPK faction Ryskeldi Mombekov. - If the law is passed, the government will create a special body. It will monitor the implementation of the law. Perhaps during the discussion, amendments will still be made. Additional restrictions on the number of invited guests or expenses may be introduced.