Strict Regulations Introduced in Uzbekistan for Weddings and Family Celebrations

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan has approved Resolution No. 589 of 16 September 2024, under which, as part of the Oqilona iste’mol (“Rational Consumption” / Save Food) program, weddings, family celebrations, and similar events will be subject to strict regulation.

The resolution declares the period 2026–2030 as the “Relevant Period of Food Security.” During this time, authorities aim to ensure that the population has access to sufficient quantities of quality food while also taking comprehensive measures to prevent excessive spending and waste.

The action plan for implementing the program requires weddings and family ceremonies to comply with the regulations set by the joint resolution of the Legislative Chamber and the Senate of the Oliy Majlis adopted on 14 September 2019.

Under the rules, family events may host no more than 200 invited guests, while the traditional plov meal associated with such occasions may have up to 250 attendees. For double weddings and hashar gatherings, the limit is 250 participants and up to 300 guests at the accompanying plov.

The document explicitly prohibits customs and rituals that do not align with national traditions, contradict moral norms, or demand excessive financial and time resources. These include practices such as kuyov navkari, chorlar, ota ko‘rdi, sep yoydi, kuda chaqirdi, kuyov chaqirdi, kelin chaqirdi, tog‘ora yuborish, and others.

Additional mourning rituals are also banned, including etti, payshanbalik, yakshanbalik, yigirma, qirq, hayit, yil oshi, as well as the distribution of money and fabric.

The Committee on Family and Women’s Affairs has urged citizens to strictly observe the principles of rational consumption and actively participate in combating wastefulness.