The leader of the Taliban movement, Hibatullah Akhundzada, issued a decree banning a number of wedding ceremonies, which he called "un-Islamic" and too expensive for families. The document was published by the Ministry of Justice of Afghanistan, Ferghana reports, citing Afghan media.
Dowry, payment of "toyana" for wedding expenses, pre- and post-wedding parties, "shirini hori", an engagement ceremony, lavish banquets and the exchange of expensive gifts were banned.
According to the decree, weddings must take place at the groom's place of residence and within his financial means. Contests with valuable prizes, festive shooting and dangerous driving during wedding events are prohibited.
The practice of "badal", the exchange of daughters between families to settle disputes, was also banned.
It is also prohibited to pay "valvara" (the cost of the bride) and similar financial demands from the groom's family.
It is forbidden to use state-owned vehicles at wedding celebrations.
The custom of "ronamai", the exchange of gifts after the wedding, is also recognized as illegal.
The document emphasizes that weddings should take place shortly after the engagement and the conclusion of the prenuptial agreement in order to reduce costs.
The decision is related to the economic crisis in Afghanistan, where high unemployment and poverty levels make marriage unaffordable for many young people.
Residents of the country complain that expensive weddings exacerbate social problems.
Previously, the Taliban had already imposed restrictions on wedding celebrations: they banned live music, alcohol, dancing between men and women and participation in competitions.
