In a bid to alleviate the financial burden associated with traditional weddings, an increasing number of low-income Afghan couples are turning to mass marriage ceremonies. Recently, a charitable organization organized a collective wedding event in Kabul, providing couples with essential items, including carpets and household appliances, to help them embark on their married life. The ceremony featured discreet proceedings with brides initially kept out of sight until after lunch, conforming to the cultural norms and the prevailing restrictions on celebrations imposed by the Taliban since their return to power in August 2021.
The event showcased low-key ceremonies where an official from the ministry for the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice addressed the participants. Although recitations from the Koran were part of the proceedings, the Taliban’s ban on dancing and music continued to shape the nature of the celebrations. The newlyweds, adorned with green ribbons and heart-shaped red plastic roses, were then transported in decorated cars, symbolizing the joyous occasion despite the constraints.
For many couples, the decision to participate in mass weddings stemmed from financial constraints. Roohullah Rezayi, an 18-year-old from the Hazara Shia Muslim minority, shared that the costs of a traditional wedding were prohibitively high. Given his modest income of 350 Afghanis per day from odd jobs, he expressed relief at the significantly reduced expenses of the collective ceremony, estimating it to be between 10,000 and 15,000 Afghanis.
Samiullah Zamani, a 23-year-old farmer from Kabul province, echoed the sentiment of financial relief, highlighting the three-year wait for his special day. Despite the restrictions, he expressed eagerness to finally see his bride.
The charitable organization behind the mass wedding not only facilitated cost-effective ceremonies but also supported the newlyweds by providing essential household items. This assistance aims to enable couples, who might otherwise struggle with financial burdens, to embark on their married life with essential items.
The growing trend of mass weddings in Afghanistan reflects the pragmatic approach of low-income couples seeking to navigate the economic challenges associated with traditional marriage ceremonies. While adhering to cultural norms and considering financial constraints, these collective celebrations offer an alternative that allows couples to embark on their marital journey with the support of charitable initiatives.
