Newari community was the indigenous population of Kathmandu valley until approximately 250 years ago. The rulers of then Kathmandu were the Mallas who ruled over the valley and nearby hills for 600 since 1207-1779 C.E. The period is also known as the golden era in Nepal's history as many of the family, traditions and culture were cultivated during this period which are still prevalent among the Newari community. The tradition and culture has also been transferred to other places of the country in modern times as the indigenous people of the valley migrated to other parts in course of their vocation, which was mainly trading in goods. Some of the Newari community particularly those belonging to the merchant class migrated to other towns and took many of their traditions with them followed by their ancestors. Now we can see these customs followed by them in various towns where they now live.
One such tradition followed by them is the Bel Bibaha or the marriage with Bel. Bel is a fruit with very hard covering outside which cannot be broken by birds or animals and one has to hit it with a hammer so as to break it. Inside remains a very fragrant part which is really delicious. Pre adolescent girls are married with Bel and this tradition is called Ihi or Ehee in Newari term. Before a girl reaches the age of puberty, she is given a Bel Bibaha with the fruit as a witness. The purpose of marrying the girl with the Bel fruit is that the Bel is considered a symbol of Lord Bishnu, one of the gods Hindu religion who never dies. Thus if the girl, who later marries with somebody and in case her husband dies before her, she will never be considered a widow as she has already married with the everlasting deity the Lord Bishnu, who is considered as the preserver or sustainer aspect of a god in Hindu mythology.