Kyrgyz MP Zamirbek Mamasadykov has proposed a draft law aimed at combating extravagance during funerals, weddings, and other family events.  Kloop says the document was submitted for public discussion on January 27.

Key provisions of the draft law:

·         The slaughter of small livestock, horses, or large cattle is prohibited at funerals.

·         Three days after the funeral, a memorial event (Quran recitation) may be held with the slaughter of no more than one horse or large cattle.

·         Memorials on the 7th day, 40th day, or the anniversary of death are prohibited.

·         Weddings are limited to a maximum of 250 guests, with the slaughter of only one large cattle or horse allowed.

·         Bride send-off ceremonies (kiz uzatuu) can have no more than 100 guests.

·         If a wedding and kiz uzatuu are held together, the guest limit is 350.

·         Wedding processions are limited to three vehicles.

·         Extravagant additional expenses, such as kiyit kiygyzüü, sebet berüü, konok berüü, and other similar customs, are prohibited.

Violations of these restrictions could result in fines: 300,000 soms for the host and 200,000 soms for the venue owner.

According to the law's initiator, Kyrgyz families have increasingly spent excessive amounts on such events in recent years, causing significant harm to household finances.

“In the past, these events were held to receive blessings (bata) from the community.  Today, the focus has shifted to material aspects: ‘How much will guests bring?’, ‘I spent on their event, will they spend the same on mine?’, or ‘Will the collected money cover the expenses?’  This creates unnecessary competition.  Families often take out loans to fund these events, leading to devastating consequences, including divorces,” Mamasadykov explained.

Government stance on extravagance

President Sadyr Japarov has previously opposed extravagance during ceremonies.  In February 2022, he issued a decree aimed at “preventing wastefulness during religious ceremonies, rituals, and other events negatively affecting the spiritual atmosphere in society.”

At the end of 2024, the president introduced restrictions on the installation of gravestones.

Last summer, Japarov apologized to Kyrgyz citizens after a lavish engagement ceremony for his niece.  The event featured a helicopter rented from the Ministry of Emergency Situations to transport the couple to the mountains, sparking mixed reactions on social media.  This was controversial as Japarov had previously emphasized the inadmissibility of wastefulness.

Tajikistan’s experience

Tajikistan has had a similar law in place since June 2007.   Tajikistan’s Law on Observing National Traditions and Rituals governs the organization of historical, cultural, public, and family events.  

Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon signed the law on streamlining the traditions, celebrations and ceremonies in Tajikistan on June 8, 2007, justifying it “by protecting the true values of national culture, respect for folk customs and improving the social and economic standard of living of citizens.”

The Law on Observing National Traditions and Rituals has regulated private celebrations and funeral services, including weddings, funerals, and Mavludi Payghambar (the birthday of the Prophet).

The stated intent of the law was to protect the public from spending excessive amounts of money on celebrations.  The law limited number of guests, eliminated engagement parties, and controlled ceremonial gift presentations and other rituals.