Betashar ritual has been added to the UNESCO list

Tengrinews.kz - The Kazakh national tradition has been included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

At a meeting of the UNESCO Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay, a historic decision was made. One of the oldest Kazakh rituals, Betashar, was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This was reported by Kazakhstan's State Counselor Erlan Karin.

What is Betashar?

Betashar is a traditional wedding ritual. It symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the young bride, as she becomes part of her husband's family. The ceremony takes place during the wedding celebration and is distinguished by its unique atmosphere and sacred significance.

During the ceremony, the bride is introduced to the gathered relatives and guests. She is dressed in a special wedding outfit, and her face is covered with a scarf or a special veil. The main moment of the ritual is the removal of the veil. This action is accompanied by blessings from the elder members of the family and traditional songs sung by a specially invited singer. The singer addresses the bride and her family, offering words of advice and wishes of happiness.