Afghanistan Wedding Traditions & Ceremonies
A researched guide to 7 traditional wedding ceremonies from 1 cultural traditions in Afghanistan.
Pashtun/Sunni Islam
Pre-wedding
Kwezhdan (Betrothal/Engagement)(Kwezhdan)
کوژدنFormal overtures for betrothal begin with the boy's family visiting the girl's parents. A Jirga (council of elders) formally settles terms including Mehr (dowry) and Sar (bride's price).
Key elements
- Negotiations, Mehr (dowry), Sar (bride's price/head money), distribution of sweets.
Nakreezo Shpa (Henna Night)(Nakreezo Shpa / Mehndi)
نکرېزو شپه / مهنديRespectable elderly women visit the bride's house to apply henna to her hands and feet and braid her hair. This is a common practice in many Muslim cultures.
Key elements
- Henna application, hair braiding (often by a woman with many male children for good luck), singing, dancing.
Pakha Azada (Free Visits)(Pakha Azada / Pkhay Artha)
پخه آزاده / پخې ارتهAllows free visits between the fiancée and fiancé’s families after betrothal. The prospective bridegroom’s parents present gifts to the girl.
Key elements
- Gold ring, silken clothes, presents on auspicious occasions (Barkha - girl's share). Bride observes purdah from in-laws.
Sandaras (Wedding Songs)(Sandaras)
سندرهVillage maidens assemble in the bridegroom’s house at night to sing epithalamia (wedding songs) to the beat of drums and tambourine.
Key elements
- Singing, drums, tambourine, communal celebration.
Wedding day
Nikah (Wedlock)(Nikah)
نکاحFriends and relatives of the bridegroom assemble in the village mosque for the Nikah, led by the Pesh-Imam (religious leader). The bride proposes a 'Nikah Father' (attorney).
Key elements
- Recitation of Holy Quran verses, approval from bridegroom, signing of marriage contract (sometimes).
Rukhsati (Departure of Bride)(Rukhsati)
رخصتيThe bride is handed over to the bridegroom’s relatives in a solemn ceremony. She is conducted to a Doli (palanquin) or car, showered with money, and accompanied by the marriage party to her new home.
Key elements
- Doli/car, showering of money, singing (Balbala), folk dances, merry-making.
Naindra (Financial Contribution)(Naindra)
نیندرهFriends and relatives of the bridegroom contribute money to lighten his financial burden. This is considered a debt of honor, repayable on similar occasions.
Key elements
- Monetary contributions, record-keeping of subscriptions.
Planning a wedding with these traditions?
Create a digital invitation that includes the ceremonies that matter to you.
Start your invitation