When Traditions Become a Burden: Authorities Against Lavish Feasts and Memorials

Large-scale feasts, weddings with hundreds of guests, and the slaughtering of dozens of heads of livestock for memorials have long become a taken-for-granted practice. However, behind the external splendor lies a serious socio-economic problem that weighs heavily on the shoulders of many families. The country's authorities are trying to find a solution, and a new draft law, brought forward for public discussion, is the latest attempt to limit excessive spending. But how effective will such measures be? What Does the Draft Law Propose? The draft law titled "On Limiting Extravagance in the Conduct of Rituals, Celebrations, and Traditions in the Kyrgyz Republic" proposes to introduce clear restrictions on the organization of such events. For example, at weddings ("Үйлөнүү той"), it will be allowed to slaughter no more than one head of large livestock or one horse, and the number of guests should not exceed 250 people. In the case of "Кыз узатуу" (a traditional farewell for the bride), the event must include the slaughter of one head of large livestock or one horse and participation by no more than 100 people. The wedding motorcade is to consist of no more than three cars. Furthermore, the practices of "gifting clothes," "gifting a basket with treats," "receiving guests," and "treating the matchmakers" are completely prohibited. For memorial events, even stricter rules are set: slaughtering livestock is prohibited, and memorials may only be held three days after the funeral with the slaughter of no more than one animal. The holding of events such as three-day, seven-day, forty-day (кыркы), anniversary (аш), and similar commemorations is banned. Who Will Enforce These Rules? The draft law provides for the creation of special commissions within local administrations to oversee compliance with the new norms. Their responsibilities will include reviewing complaints, conducting explanatory work among the population, and imposing fines for violations. For citizens, fines may reach up to 300,000 soms, and for owners of restaurants and cafes, up to 100,000 soms. Culture or Vanity? Although traditions and rituals have always played an important role in Kyrgyz society, in recent years many of these events have turned into displays of status and wealth. Weddings, memorials, and other celebrations have become competitions where the main prize is public recognition. An increasing number of new customs, which did not previously exist, are emerging and leading to uncontrolled spending. A resident of the Naryn region, who wished to remain anonymous, shared that even with a job and a stable income, organizing such events becomes a real financial trial for her family. "We are forced to invite hundreds of guests and slaughter livestock so as not to be shamed in front of relatives and neighbors. And every time new customs appear — why do we need a 'Sebe't if we already give gifts? Although I support the draft law, as long as it does not become the norm for everyone, unfortunately, we will continue to do as is customary in society," she said. Such stories are not uncommon. Many families take out loans or sell property to organize an event that lives up to societal expectations. This leads to debts, family conflicts, and even divorces. The proponents of the draft law emphasize that its goal is not to ban traditions but to return them to their original values by eliminating the elements of vanity and excessive spending. Economic Consequences of Extravagance Experts note that extravagance in the organization of events has a dual impact on the economy. On one hand, it stimulates sectors such as agriculture, food service, the entertainment industry, and various services. According to the National Statistical Committee, the revenues of restaurants and hotels grew by 30% in 2024 compared to the previous year. However, on the other hand, such spending does not create long-term added value. Money spent on one-off events is not invested in business development, education, or other assets that could generate future income. Economist Iskender Sharsheev emphasizes that the mass consumption of agricultural products—for example, the slaughtering of 8-9 heads of livestock at memorials—leads to self-destructive behavior. In his opinion, these are pure expenses that do not contribute to capital accumulation. In the long run, this undermines the economic stability of both families and the country as a whole. "On one hand, this (the new law, as noted by the author) can be seen as state intervention in the affairs of citizens who are spending their personal funds, but on the other hand, extravagance has already reached its peak. Regulating expenditures may be justified if it is aimed at changing public consciousness and reorienting people's priorities. In this case, the state is not so much 'prohibiting' as it is encouraging the formation of a new behavioral model in which financial resources are used not only for short-term pleasure but also for creating assets capable of generating future income," he said. Organizing such events might be time-limited (for example, a two-hour format with a healthy menu and minimized alcohol consumption), which would further contribute to the formation of new social norms. This approach does not violate citizens' rights; on the contrary, it encourages a more conscious attitude toward spending, allowing cultural traditions to be preserved while reorienting priorities toward long-term well-being and sustainable development. "The key issue in combating extravagance is changing public consciousness. Besides restrictions, it is important to offer alternatives, such as crowdfunding funds, where instead of expensive gifts, one can donate assets that generate income," he said. There is also a need to conduct educational campaigns to improve financial literacy and promote conscious consumption. Changing consciousness through education, quality content, and informational campaigns will help form new social norms. Voluntary abandonment of excessive consumption in favor of long-term planning and capital creation is capable of enhancing the economic potential of society. This approach may be the right one, since a previously signed presidential document or raids did not significantly change the situation. At the same time, Kyrgyzstan’s experience has attracted interest from neighboring countries. For example, in southern Kazakhstan—in the Zhambyl region—rules for conducting feasts and weddings might be developed. According to the akim (regional governor) of the region, Yerbol Kara-shukeev, Kazakh citizens could financially support newlyweds instead of engaging in extravagance. Source: https://www.akchabar.kg/ru/article/mnenie-omthqtdxrzcoifeu/kogda-traditsii-stanovyatsya-bremenem-vlasti-protiv-pishnikh-toev-i-pominok-yaunmmzadjwcrxei