Bel Bibaha- More than Culture
Nepal is a country of diverse culture and rich natural resources. The land itself is a collection of traditions woven together by 142 ethnic groups and over 124 languages. It is often celebrated as a multi-religious, multi-cultural, and multi-linguistic country, showcasing the peaceful coexistence of various communities. Among these diverse cultures, the Newari culture is one of the celebrated cultures in Kathmandu valley.
The Newars are an ethnic community with a rich heritage of customs and traditions. Newari culture is characterized by its unique rituals and customs that can be observed from birth to death. They celebrate their festivals, marriage ceremonies, and funerals all in a distinctive manner while presenting their rich cultural heritage.
In this culture the daughters get married three times. The first marriage occurs before menstruation, with suvarna kumar, lord Vishnu’s symbol also known as Bel Bibaha. Following that is bara: tayegu (surya darshan) where they are married to the sun, and lastly, the third time is with the groom (male).
Talking about Bel Bibaha (Ihi), it is a ritual for pre teenage girls, which involves marrying a fruit wooden apple (bel) for fertility and prosperity. Likewise, the wild fruit is also considered as a symbol of the Lord Vishnu.
There is no recorded documentation on how or when this practice started. However, it is believed to have begun during the Lichhavi period. Similarly, the practice also links to the legend of mother Parvati , the wife of lord Shiva, who performed a similar marriage to ensure her eternal bond with Shiva. The Newar community believe they have adopted this ritual, weaving it into their unique culture.
This practice is done in groups of girls which usually takes two days to complete. The first day is called ‘Dusala Kriya’ where young girls are cleansed and dressed like brides in an ankle length saree, blouse, and shawl. On this day, the girls are gathered for the puja and they go through sequences of ritual actions of purification.
The second day is the most important day of the ritual ‘Kanyadan’ (giving away the daughter by the father). Further, the young girls are dressed as brides and taken for the puja again. The puja is performed, and the day will end with the father doing a ‘Kanyadan’ and giving away his daughter to Lord Vishnu in marriage with the Bel fruit.
The Bel Bibaha holds deep meaning in Newari culture. As it is considered as the protection from widowhood for Newari women. The Bel fruit, known for its longevity, symbolizes the girl’s eternal marital status. Even if her spouse dies after being married to Suvarna Kumar before menstruation, the Newar tribe believes that a Newar lady should not live a colorless or widowed existence. As a result, a female who wishes to remarry, has the conventional freedom to do so. Moreover, She is believed to remain “married” to the divine, protecting her from the social stigma of widowhood.
It can be considered as the empowerment for women as Bel Bibaha challenges traditional patriarchal norms. A Newar woman can remarry without social disapproval because of her first celestial marriage. Moreover, it is also a distinctive cultural practice of the Newars. It is a unique ceremony that allows women to have more control over their own lives and decisions, breaking away from the constraints of traditional gender roles. This tradition showcases the rich cultural heritage and diversity of the Newar community in Nepal. Likewise, this ceremony sets Newar culture apart from other Hindu communities in Nepal. Furthermore, it highlights the unique position and freedoms given to Newari women.
In conclusion, the Bel Bibaha remains a significant practice for the Newar community. It serves as a cultural cornerstone, preserving traditions and empowering Newar women.
Photo Credit: ImNepal.com, Full Time Explorer, Nepali Times, Social News XYZ
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