Tajikistan has tightened restrictions on festive season celebrations, banning Christmas trees and gift-giving in schools.
This year’s measures are the toughest yet implemented by the country, which has been toning down Christmas and new year celebrations for some time ”“ banning Father Frost, Russia’s version of Santa Claus, from television screens in 2013.
A decree by the education ministry prohibits “the use of fireworks, festive meals, gift-giving and raising money” over new year as well as “the installation of a Christmas tree either living (felled wood) or artificial” in schools and universities.