Wedding traditions of Kabul
A wedding city of large halls, the henna night and the walwar, a payment from the groom's family that is a point of debate.
Afghan weddings have a long programme. Bride and groom meet, the families agree on the bride price, the henna night is held and the nikah is performed in the presence of the mullah.
A wedding here
The engagement is held with sweets and gifts. The henna night is called Shab-e-Henna, and the groom's family brings the henna and clothes. The nikah is performed, followed by a reception in a large hall. A mirror and a Quran are used in the aina mushaf rite, where the couple look at each other in the mirror under a shawl.
Where weddings happen
Kabul has many wedding halls, known as "shadi halls", although public celebrations, music and gatherings have been restricted since 2021. Rules about gender separation also apply.
The season and the calendar
Summer and autumn are the busiest months. Weddings avoid Ramadan and Muharram. Bride price, walwar, is a contested practice: families often put a heavy debt on the groom, and forced and child marriages remain a concern.
Wedding customs of Kabul
Also part of it, and being written: Afghan wedding (The customs of an Afghan wedding.), Walwar (The bride price in Pashtun custom.), Aina Mushaf (The mirror and Quran rite.), Child marriage (A practice that is a human rights concern.).
A wedding trail idea for Kabul
- Mandawi market An old market area in Kabul.
- Chicken Street A tourist shopping street.
- Shadi halls Large wedding halls.
- Babur's Gardens A historic park.
Written by the EveryShaadi desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, venues and wedding-season dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
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