A mother briefs her daughter about the rituals during "Ihi", her first marriage ceremony, in Kathmandu...
A mother briefs her daughter about the rituals during "Ihi", her first marriage ceremony, in Kathmandu January 30, 2009. The Newar community in Nepal observes the tradition where girls get married to a sacred Bel fruit (wood apple tree), which represents the Sun God. Such a marriage is believed to prevent them from becoming widowed in future. The ceremony is generally performed in a courtyard and involves girls who have not entered puberty. REUTERS/Gopal Chitrakar (NEPAL)