Wedding Celebration in Herat: A Glimpse into Tradition and Joy

A wedding in the historic city of Herat is one of the most magnificent and vibrant ceremonies rooted in the region’s rich and authentic culture. This joyful occasion usually takes place after the Islamic marriage contract (Nikah), the engagement, and the Henna Night ceremony, often with short intervals between each stage.

The wedding celebration not only marks the official beginning of a couple’s life together, but also serves as a heartfelt gathering of families, a tribute to traditional values, and a demonstration of love and unity between two households.

This colorful and fragrant event is filled with lively music, traditional dances like the national Attan, colorful cultural outfits, and unique rituals. A Herati wedding is not just a celebration—it’s a symbol of the people’s cultural identity, where joy, unity, authenticity, and reverence for tradition come together.

Preparations Before the Wedding

Weeks before the big day, both families begin planning every detail of the ceremony. Choosing the bridal gown, the venue, beauty salons, music, and food are among the most important concerns.

The bride, accompanied by her family, visits the market to buy her white wedding dress, shoes, jewelry, and cosmetics. Meanwhile, the groom typically chooses a formal suit—often black or navy blue—to shine on the big day.

The Wedding Day

On the wedding day, from early morning, family members of the bride and groom head to beauty salons to get ready and dress in their finest formal wear. Everyone aims to look their most elegant and radiant. Dressed in colorful traditional or modern outfits and with smiles on their faces, families enthusiastically prepare for the joyous day ahead.

Decorating the Groom’s Car

One of the delightful and charming parts of the ceremony is decorating the groom’s car. His family takes the car to a florist, where it’s adorned with fresh and artificial flowers, ribbons, and colorful fabrics. The decorated car becomes a symbol of happiness and the start of a new life.

Arrival at the Venue

After getting ready, the groom arrives in the decorated car to pick up the bride from the salon. Their grand entrance into the wedding hall is usually accompanied by traditional music, such as the famous “Aahesta Boro” (Walk Slowly), or other joyful tunes. Guests cheerfully welcome the bride and groom.

The couple takes their place on the stage and shares their first romantic dance to a song of their choice—an unforgettable moment captured by clapping guests, cameras, and phones.

Knife Dance and Cake Cutting

A unique and entertaining custom in Herati weddings is the Knife Dance. Typically performed by the groom’s or bride’s sister, this playful dance involves holding the cake-cutting knife while dancing to old melodies—often by singer Javid Sharif—before handing it over in exchange for a symbolic amount of money from the groom.

Afterward, the bride and groom cut the cake together, offer it to each other, and sip sweet fruit juice as a symbol of joy and shared life.

Music and Dancing

As the night continues, lively Herati songs fill the hall with energy. Favorites like “Emshab Shabek-e Aroosi-e Baradar Jan Ast” and the national Attan are performed with group dances by men and women. Everyone—elders, youth, children, and even the elderly—joins in the celebration with heartfelt smiles.

Hospitality and Refreshments

Guest hospitality is carried out with precision and tradition. First, tea with sweets or chocolate and cake is served, followed by seasonal fruits (usually three kinds), and finally a warm meal in shared platters—often featuring Qabuli Pulao, Mantu, kebab, or a special stew prepared by the venue.

Post-Wedding Street Parade

After the ceremony, the newlyweds are accompanied by friends and close relatives for a celebratory night drive through the city. The groom’s flower-adorned car leads the procession, followed by others honking, playing music, and lighting up the streets with joy.

The night ends at the groom’s home, where the celebration continues with fireworks, music, dancing, and light refreshments.

Final Thoughts

A wedding in Herat is far more than just a party—it’s a vibrant expression of cultural heritage and identity. From shopping for clothes to the knife dance and late-night parade, every moment is infused with love, tradition, and respect. Families strive to preserve these customs, passing them on to future generations to keep their cultural roots alive.