The Horror of Barashi: Nepal’s Dark Pas In the picturesque land of Nepal, a sinister and spine-chilling tradition known as “Barashi” has long cast its shadow over the lives of young girls aged 5–12. This eerie rite involves locking these innocent souls inside a pitch-black room for an excruciating 12 days, far away from the warmth of the sun and the presence of any men. The air inside these rooms is thick with fear, as cries of despair often pierce through the silence.

During their confinement, these young girls are subjected to a peculiar diet, and the purpose of this ritual becomes clear: they are, in essence, being wedded to the sun itself. On the 12th and final day, when they are released from their lightless prison, the first sight that greets them is the sun, solidifying their eerie union.

Yet, the true horror lies in the stories these girls share upon their release. Many speak of eerie apparitions, the inexplicable sensation of an unseen presence, and hair that appears to be mysteriously combed and oiled. Unearthly noises echo through the room, and a pervasive sense of dread hangs in the air.

So haunting are these experiences that the ritual, once spanning 12 harrowing days, has been truncated to a mere 2–3 days. Fear has tightened its grip, as it is believed that if a girl were to meet her demise during this dark period, her body must be laid to rest within the very house that held her captive. Her tormented spirit, it is said, will forever haunt the location, a restless ghost seeking release from its eternal torment.

“Bara” signifies the ritual, while “Shi” in the Newari language means “dead.” Together, they form the ominous term “Barashi,” someone who met their demise during this macabre tradition. The very mention of these tales sends shivers down the spines of those who dare to listen, a chilling reminder of the eerie and unsettling rituals that continue to haunt Nepal’s history.

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