In a bid to curb expenses, a mass wedding ceremony featuring 50 couples was held in Kabul, Afghanistan, as financially strained couples increasingly turn to such gatherings to avoid the high costs associated with traditional weddings.
The brides, initially kept out of sight in a separate wing, emerged after lunch in this low-key event organized by a charity.
The ceremony, officiated by a Taliban, included recitations from the Quran, adhering to the restrictions on dancing and music imposed by the Taliban since their return to power in August 2021.
The newlyweds were provided with essential items, including carpets and household appliances, to support the beginning of their married life.
The couples, adorned in wedding attire, were then conveyed in cars adorned with green ribbons and heart-shaped red plastic roses.
Roohullah Rezayi, an 18-year-old groom, expressed financial relief, stating that a solo wedding would have been financially burdensome.
“A traditional wedding would have cost us at least 200,000 to 250,000 Afghanis, but this time it will be between 10,000 and 15,000 Afghanis,” he said as quoted by AFP news agency.
Samiullah Zamani, a 23-year-old farmer, highlighted the significance of the day after a three-year wait.
“I’ve been waiting for this day for three years. I can’t wait to see her,” he expressed, capturing the anticipation and joy amidst financial constraints.
Lavish weddings have been a trend in Afghanistan for years but mass weddings are rarely held in Kabul and other parts of the country to stop spending big amounts of money for wedding parties.
