KULOB, January 20, 2011, Asia-Plus — According to official data, residents of the city ad the district of Kulob last year spent 5,625,555 somoni for various private celebrations and rituals.
According to the Kulob mayor’s office, 1,707 weddings, 743 circumcision parties, 940 funeral ceremonies, 467 fortieth day obits and 487 year’s minds were held in the city and the district of Kulob last year.
Figures provided by local authorities show that 3,336 head of cattle were slaughtered during those private celebrations and rituals, the source said, noting that two local residents stood trial last year for breaking the law on observing national traditions and rituals.
Adopted n June 2007, the Law on Observing National Traditions and Rituals regulates 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.
