An Ihi ceremony in Potters' Square. The girls are
waiting in a temple nearby
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Ihi:
This is a ritual symbolic marriage with a bel (byah) fruit, the
symbol of Lord Vishnu. This ceremony, celebrated at the age of
5-11, is done to prevent widowhood. As the girls are married to
the immortal Lord Vishnu, Newar girls never become widows.
It is believed this practice was started in order to proclaim
that even if her real-life husband dies, she is not a widow.
Thus the woman avoids the need to burn in her deceased husband's
funeral pyre, as was the custom among Hindus some centuries ago.
This practice was known as sati and was banned in the 1800s.
Bahra: After Ihi, a Newar girl
undergoes bahra, the ritual confinement of a girl before the
onset of menstruation. The girl is kept separated from all males
and from sunlight for 12 days. On the 12th day the girl has to
pay homage to the sun.
Ihipa (Marriage): Marriage in Newar
culture is a social union of two families. The parents arrange
the marriage for their sons and daughters and the marriage is
confirmed by giving 10 betel nuts along with fruits, sweets, etc
(known as lakha) from the groom's family to the bride. The
marriage ceremony is performed at a time scheduled by the
astrologer. |
