Wedding Customs and Celebrations
Kyrgyz weddings are rich with rituals, music, family honor, and joy. While some ancient practices — like Ala Kachuu (bride kidnapping) — existed in the past, they are not culturally encouraged today. In modern Kyrgyzstan, most marriages happen through family-arranged matchings or mutual love, followed by traditional agreements known as “kuda tushuu” between the parents.
A kalym (bride’s gift) is offered by the groom’s family to the bride’s parents — not as a price, but as a symbolic gesture of respect. In response, the bride’s family prepares a generous dowry or “sep”, often including furniture, household goods, or even property to support the new couple.
Before the wedding, families hold “Kyz Uzatuu” — the farewell of the bride, where she officially leaves her family’s home. During this celebration, the Islamic wedding rite called “Nikah” is often performed. Afterward, the main wedding ceremony is hosted.
Kyrgyz weddings include many traditional elements:
“Süyünchü” – joyful announcements
“Korunduk” – small cash gifts when first seeing the bride or groom
“Chachylo” – scattering sweets for good fortune
“Bata” – giving blessings to the newlyweds
Dances, music, jokes, and games throughout the night
After the wedding, the celebrations continue with visits between both families — “Torkolotuu” and “Eshik-Tör Koru” — strengthening family bonds and welcoming the bride into the groom’s extended household.
Today, many weddings are held in lavishly decorated restaurants, often with 200–700 guests. The celebration is a matter of family pride, and even if costly, parents often go to great lengths to host a beautiful event. Guests bring money or gifts, helping the family cover expenses.
A Kyrgyz wedding feast includes multiple courses, national bread (boorsok), salads, sweets, and the traditional main dish: Besh Barmak (meaning “Five Fingers”) — boiled meat with noodles, eaten by hand. The evening ends with a wedding cake and a lively concert of Kyrgyz pop singers.
As Kyrgyz people say:
“There is no one who doesn’t sing — even if only in the shower.”
