A mass wedding ceremony involving 50 couples has been held in Afghanistan.
Such ceremonies have become more common as low-income couples seek to avoid the high costs of a traditional wedding.
The brides-to-be were kept out of sight in a separate wing - it was only after lunch they appeared, local media say.
The event, in Kabul, was organised by a charity which also provided the newlyweds with items including a carpet and household appliances to start their married life.
An official from the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice spoke at the low-key ceremonies.
While recitations from the Koran were read out, dancing and music remained effectively banned by the country's Taliban rulers since they returned to power in August 2021.
The brides and grooms were then carried away in cars decorated with green ribbons and red plastic roses in the form of hearts.
Roohullah Rezayi, 18, explained to AFP news agency he could not have afforded a solo wedding.
"A traditional wedding would have cost us at least 200,000 to 250,000 Afghanis [£2,220 to £2,770; $2,800 to $3,600] but this time it will be between 10,000 and 15,000 Afghanis," he said.
The young man, a member of the Hazara Shia Muslim minority and from Ghor province, earns barely 350 Afghanis per day doing odd jobs, the agency says.
"We invited 35 people from our two families, otherwise it would have been 300 to 400," he added.
For some of the grooms-to-be it had been a long wait, AFP notes.
"I've been waiting for this day for three years," said Samiullah Zamani, 23, a farmer from Kabul province. "I can't wait to see her."
Latest Stories
-
The Keeper’s Music unveils Neyty with new single ‘Most High God’
7 mins -
Bawumia outlines 8 initiatives to create 4 million jobs for youth if elected president
13 mins -
Over 4,000 unpaid teachers demand payment of 16 months arrears from government
27 mins -
I’ve apologised to Gloria Sarfo over flight issues – AMAA Country Director
28 mins -
Ghana nearly lost $9 billion to arbitrary claims in last four years – Attorney General
47 mins -
FWSC responds to CLOGSAG strike declaration, urges return to negotiation
1 hour -
Members contribute to ‘transport’ national team – Volleyball Vice President laments financial struggles
2 hours -
New SHS curriculum provides adaptive learning pathways – EduWatch
2 hours -
Pay NABCO trainees – Mahama challenges Bawumia
2 hours -
Police ‘waiting for court date’ on Erastus’ case is a lie – Samson Anyenini
2 hours -
Sports facilities are better managed by institutions – UG Sports Director on maintenance of Legon stadium
2 hours -
Ghanaian businesses must align vision with strategy to mitigate ESG Risks – KPMG
3 hours -
MTN achieves 30% localisation of Scancom PLC
3 hours -
Attorney-General: Some lawyers sacrifice ethics for ‘cheap’ political gains
3 hours -
Bond market: Volume up by 12.45% to GH¢746m
3 hours