Afghanistan's Taliban-led Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs has issued a new code of conduct for weddings and engagement ceremonies, introducing restrictions on several traditional practices, including bridal makeup, women's perfume, engagement rings, music, mixed-gender dancing, and fireworks.
The 10-page directive calls on Afghan citizens to organize weddings in accordance with Islamic teachings and avoid customs that the ministry describes as contrary to Islamic law or influenced by non-Islamic traditions.
According to the document, the exchange of engagement rings, certain public henna ceremonies, fireworks, revealing or tight-fitting clothing for women, and the use of cosmetics by brides are considered inappropriate under the new guidelines.
The ministry also states that women should not wear perfume when leaving their homes and reiterates a ban on music and mixed-gender dancing at wedding celebrations.
Taliban officials say the purpose of the new regulations is to ensure that marriage ceremonies comply with Islamic principles and to discourage practices they believe imitate foreign or Western customs.
The directive is the latest in a series of social regulations introduced since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, further expanding restrictions that have had a significant impact on women's public and social lives.
