Within the framework of the 'Ulugbek' Fund for Supporting Talented Youth, a seminar-training on the topic 'Modesty – A National Movement' was organized. The organizers expressed regret over the amount of money wasted on excessively luxurious weddings, gatherings, and ceremonies observed online.
The Problem of Excessive Consumption
Some 'agitators' within society are interested in extracting more money from such events because excessive luxury brings them greater profit, but this does not benefit those who follow these small rituals. The goal is to prevent the spread of such negative phenomena among young people and to correctly guide the thoughts of young couples who are just starting their independent lives. Various seminars, meetings, live discussions, and round tables are being held in the republics to solve this problem.
Content of the Seminar
One such event was the seminar-training at the 'Ulugbek' Fund for Supporting Talented Youth. Participants included teachers, students, and researchers from Alisher Navoi State University of Uzbek Language and Literature in Tashkent, as well as representatives of young families. Issues regarding the simplification of wedding, family traditions, ceremonies, and rites, preventing excessive pomp and waste, preserving national values, as well as legal norms and administrative responsibility in this area, were discussed in detail.
Experts' Position
Doctor of Philology, Professor Gulnaza Jo'raeva delivered a lecture, explaining the essence of the concept of 'Maromlilik' with specific examples. It was noted that the true purpose of weddings and ceremonies is not to demonstrate wealth or competition, but to support the new family, strengthen warmth among relatives, neighbors, and loved ones, and continue national traditions with spiritual content.
Social and Financial Risks
During the event, examples and analyses were presented on how excessive spending related to weddings and ceremonies in some families leads to serious social problems, such as falling into debt, societal pressure based on the question 'what will people say,' and meaningless rituals. It was emphasized that funds spent on a one-day lavish ceremony sometimes take precedence over the important needs of a young family related to housing, education, professional training, entrepreneurship, or child-rearing. This negatively affects family stability, youth plans, and the moral atmosphere in society.
Legal Framework and Norms
Practical legal grounds for regulating weddings and ceremonies were also clarified. Information was presented on the joint resolution of September 14, 2019, 'On Improving the System of Conducting Weddings, Family Traditions, Rites, and Ceremonies,' as well as Article 192 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan on administrative liability. According to the requirements of this article, citizens, as well as officials of wedding halls, cafes, and restaurants, can be held responsible for non-compliance with the procedure for conducting weddings, family traditions, rites, and ceremonies.
Requirements for Events
Young people were explained the requirements corresponding to the current procedure, such as holding weddings and ceremonies within one day from 06:00 to 23:00, setting the number of guests at family events according to standards, refusing to use an excessive number of cars at marriage-related events, and the necessity of working by contract with wedding halls, restaurants, and artists.
Examples of Excessive Rituals
It was noted that events such as 'Marry me' or 'Love story', excessive decorations, lavish processions, unnecessary additional ceremonies before and after the wedding, as well as rituals like 'the bride invited,' 'the groom invited,' 'the father-in-law invited,' 'sep yoidi,' and 'tog'ora yuborish,' create an economic and moral burden for families. It was especially emphasized that 'maromlilik' is not just about reducing wedding costs, but about forming moral norms, responsibility, and a culture of conscious choice in society.
International Experience and Cooperation
During the seminar, foreign experience was analyzed, including the Swedish principle of 'lagom' (not too much, not too little, just right), the 'Small Wedding' movement in South Korea, as well as practical, compact, and financially responsible approaches in Japan and Germany. The idea was put forward that the value of a ceremony is determined not by the funds spent on it, but by its spiritual content, sincerity, and service to the future of the family. It was noted that for the wide promotion of the 'Maromiyilik' movement, cooperation between educational institutions, local communities, charitable organizations, Civil Registry Offices, internal affairs prevention inspectors, youth organizations, and the entire society is necessary. Implementing special educational programs in higher education institutions, senior high schools, lyceums, colleges, and technical schools, as well as supporting initiatives like 'the most instructive modest wedding' among young people, is important.
Participants' Conclusions
At the end of the seminar, participants shared their opinions. Young families, students, and researchers came to the understanding that directing funds towards education, housing, entrepreneurship, and family stability instead of excessive pomp at weddings is much more beneficial for society.
