Nepal Wedding Traditions & Ceremonies
A researched guide to 15 traditional wedding ceremonies from 7 cultural traditions in Nepal.
Buddhist (Sherpa)
Pre-wedding
Longchang
लोङचाङThe second stage of marriage, confirming the agreement between families.
Key elements
- Formal agreement
Buddhist (Tamang)
Pre-wedding
Mock Capture (Chori Biha)(Chori Biha)
चोरी बिहाSymbolic abduction of the bride by the groom or his friends, followed by negotiations.
Key elements
- Feigned theft/abduction, negotiation for demands
Sagun Exchange(Sagun)
सगुनGroom's family delivers a marriage proposal with symbolic offerings.
Key elements
- Raksi (alcohol), Tarul (yam), honey, money
Hindu (Bahun/Chhetri)
Pre-wedding
Swayambar
स्वयम्बरPublic acceptance of each other, formalizes consent, and signals family agreement.
Key elements
- Tika, garlands (dubo grass), rings (modern)
Wedding day
Saptapadi
सप्तपदीThe couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire, each with a specific vow.
Key elements
- Sacred fire (agni), seven steps, vows
Jaymala / Mala Badal
जयमाला / माला बदलPublicly seals willingness to marry through exchange of garlands.
Key elements
- Flower garlands (often with dubo grass)
Post-wedding
Dulahi Bhitryaune
दुलही भित्र्याउनेCeremonial bringing of the bride into the groom's home.
Key elements
- Bidai (farewell), auspicious rituals at groom's home, blessings, tika
Limbu
Pre-wedding
Loong Yang
लुङ याङGroom offers a sum to the bride in the presence of relatives, marking formal engagement.
Key elements
- Monetary offering
Wedding day
Chepyang
चेप्याङExchange of Mijak (knife-like iron implement) and coin, where couple makes oaths of commitment.
Key elements
- Mijak, rupee coin
Magar
Wedding day
Behuli Bhitraune
बेहुली भित्र्याउनेBringing the bride to the groom's home, marked by purification and offerings.
Key elements
- Water-filled Amkhora (brass jug), rooster sacrifice, Chamal Tika, Dubo-Paati
Newar
Pre-wedding
Bel Vivah (Ihi)
ईहीGirls are ritually married to a bel fruit (wood-apple), symbolizing Lord Vishnu, ensuring perpetual marital status.
Key elements
- Bel fruit, ceremonial bath, bride-like attire
Sun Vivah (Bahra Tayegu)
बार्ह तयेगुGirls are ritually married to the sun, symbolizing eternity.
Key elements
- Exposure to sunlight
Wedding day
Supari Exchange(Supari)
सुपारीBride and groom exchange betel nuts, symbolizing mutual acceptance.
Key elements
- Betel nuts
Tharu
Pre-wedding
Diuli Darna
दिउली डार्नाGroom's younger sisters perform religious rituals to mark the beginning of wedding festivities.
Key elements
- Religious rituals
Wedding day
Parchhana
पर्चनाRitual offering made to ancestors and deities seeking blessings for the newlyweds.
Key elements
- Offerings
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