Barha pikayegu
Barha pikayegu in Newar language literally means "to make menstruation come out". This custom in Newars is done after Ihi and before a teenager reaches puberty. The custom is carried out before she gets her first menstruation. This custom entails a confinement period of 12 days and nights. During Barha, the girl is confined within a room in absence of sunlight, where she is given sex education by her female relatives (sisters, cousins, aunts, mother) and friends.
During this period she is not allowed to see any males. The girl stays inside the room and before eating she offers her food to Khya. This Khya is made with white cotton by Nau. On the 13th day the girl dresses like a bride and must see the sun before she sights any male.
In Newar custom, it is forbidden to marry a girl who has not yet done Ihi or Bahra. An important aspect of the custom is to let the girl know about "taking betel nuts" ("Gwaye kayegu"), the freedom and power she possesses in society. She has freedom to choose whom to marry. Accepting betel nut (Gwaye kayegu) means she accepts a boy for marriage. She can simply leave the marriage by giving the betel nuts back. Traditionally, the girl puts betel nuts below her husband's pillow when he is sleeping and is free to leave him and choose another person at her will.
In case a girl menstruates before the "Barha", she has to be confined immediately to Barha without delay.
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