Ahesta Boro is a Persian composition performed as the bride and groom enter the wedding hall in Iran or Afghanistan.  Lyrics were added by Abdul Rahim Sarban.

       Ahesta Boro means "walk slowly".

Khastegari is the Persian system of marriage proposal.  The khastegar, or suitor, is accompanied by his parents when he calls upon the bride's family to ask for her hand.  Each family describes the virtues of bride or groom.  Tea is served, and then the couple are left alone to get to know each other. 

Of the 300,000 Afghans resident in the USA, about 10% live in North Virginia. 

 Ustad Mohammad Hussain Sarahang (1924-1983)

  Shirin-Khori is the engagement party, when the betrothed exchange "namzadi" rings. 

Eating sweet foods at the ceremony symbolises a wish that the couple should enjoy a sweet life.  Typical sweetmeats served include chocolates, dried fruit, baamieh (doughnut balls) and zoolbia (pretzel-like sweets). 

Recipe for zoolbia and baamieh