Baglung, Jan. 27: A group Bel-bibah for the girls from Newar community has been performed here under the auspices of Nepal Bhasha Mankakhala.

Thirty-one girls of five to 13 years from Kathmandu, Myagdi and Baglung district participated in the traditional ceremony under which Newar girl is wedded to Bel, fruit. As there is believed in the community that as Bel is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu a Newar girl, once wedded to Bel, will never be widowed.

The performance of the rites, if held individually, cost Rs 20,000 to 25,000 while the ceremony held in a group cuts down the cost to Rs 670 per head. Thus, the collective ceremony is a cost saving device, besides being a means of checking ostentation and lavish spending on social occasions.

At the function was presided over chairman of Nepal Bhasha Mankakhala Parashuram Shrestha, Newar Priest Harsharaj Rajopadhyaya shed light on the significance of the programme.