In their lifespan, girls from Nepal's Newa community marry at least three times. Preadolescent females are symbolically wedded to a bael fruit at the first rite, known as Bel Bibaha ('Ihi') (wood apple). The wild fruit is seen as a representation of Lord Vishnu.
The next city after Bel Bibaha is Bahra, where females are once again wedded to the Sun God. The next after Bel Bibaha is Bahra, where females are again wedded to the Sun God. The ceremony is performed, Before the female reaches puberty or her first period.
A lady is not regarded as a widow in the Newa religion even if her spouse dies later in life since they would still be wed to the gods Vishnu and Sun.
Here are 9 things to keep in mind as you get ready for a Bel Bibaha:
1. Start the preparations at least a few month in advance
This includes deciding on the budget and getting all the necessary items ready, such as jewelry, clothes, and food, and sending invites to your family, friends and well-wishers.
2. Prepare festive decorations
Prepare a special decoration for your home. Hang decorations that will enhance the celebrations, such as bells, garlands, and oil lamps. As offerings, be sure to include flowers and lots and lots of colors.
3. Go traditional with clothes
By dressing for the event in traditional garb, you may highlight the greatest aspects of Newa culture. Men wear Daura Suruwal and Topi headgear, while women wear saris.
4. Prepare ritual items
Have a bell to be used throughout the ceremony, a silver tray with grains, and a ghee pot filled with oil. Offer some bananas and coconuts as well. Make all the necessary puja samagri ready for the ceremony.
5. Prepare musical instruments
The flute and madal drums are crucial components of this ceremony's musical ensemble. Other traditional musical instruments of Newari people include Dhimal, Narsi, Taanpuri, and Tyamka. Dha, Kot, Pachima, Dhancha, Dhime, Dholak, Kokhing, Nyakhing and Nagara.
6. Invite a priest
To carry out the rite properly, enlist the help of an educated and experienced priest. He will explain the meaning of the whole ritual to you.
7. Prepare auspicious food items
Make some classic Newa foods like sel-roti (rice flour doughnuts), Alu tama, Bhuttan, chiura, choila, yomari, bara, etc.
8. Make sure to capture this once-in-a-lifetime event
Make sure to get a photographer/videographer to capture all the special moments of your Bel Bibaha ceremony. This is an important day and should be documented so that you can look back fondly on it with friends and family for years to come.
9. Have plenty of energy
Make sure you bring your colorful energy to the ritual and that everyone is involved the whole time. It is crucial to be upbeat and vivacious so that everyone may enjoy Bel Bibaha's delight and celebration.
Last but not least, keep your patience and take in every second of this unique ritual! Have joy celebrating a fresh beginning in your daughter's life with your family and friends. May the gods provide her good health and plenty!
