By Sabiu Abdullahi
In response to evolving societal norms and economic challenges, fifty couples recently embarked on a shared matrimonial journey at a prominent Kabul wedding hall.
The atmosphere at the City Star wedding hall near the airport was somewhat sombre, reflecting the curtailed festivities enforced since the return of the Taliban in August 2021.
With dancing and music now considered un-Islamic, weddings have transitioned into more subdued affairs.
Roohullah Rezayi, an 18-year-old groom, shed light on the financial strain that led him and his peers to opt for this collective celebration.
Hailing from the Hazara Shiite minority and earning a meagre income from odd jobs, Rezayi revealed that a conventional wedding would have cost between 200,000 to 250,000 Afghanis ($2,800 to $3,600).
In contrast, the joint ceremony significantly reduced expenses to a range of 10,000 to 15,000 Afghanis.
The Selab Foundation’s intervention proved crucial, offering each couple a substantial donation of $1,600.
Beyond monetary support, the newlyweds received practical essentials, including toothpaste, shampoo, and moisturiser, as well as household appliances, carpets, and blankets, to help them embark on their married life.
Despite the male-only attendance and the absence of women until after lunch, the event garnered considerable interest, drawing attention to the changing dynamics of weddings in Afghanistan.
The large, chilly hall echoed with Quranic recitations and a speech from an official representing the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
This joint wedding, born out of necessity and adaptation, provides a glimpse into a pragmatic approach to matrimony amidst challenging circumstances.
The Selab Foundation’s initiative attracted an overwhelming 600 applicants, underscoring the need for alternative, cost-effective options in a society navigating shifts in cultural practices.