Unique tradition of marriage in Nepal (chori bibaha)

Chori Bibaha is the practice of secretly marrying, either by the boy’s or girl’s party, without the permission of guardians.

Tamang communities practice the ancient marriage ceremony known as Chori Bibaha. This procedure is usually performed when a bride will not readily consent or when a boy seeks to avoid the lengthy processes of an arranged marriage. A boy usually abducts a girl from a market or a fair.

The social, spiritual, cultural, and legal union of a man and a woman as husband and wife is described as marriage.

Marriage in Nepal entails the development of a relationship between the families as well as the union of the bride and groom. The marriage customs of Nepal’s many ethnic groups vary. In Nepal, both sets of parents participate equally in the marriage ceremony. Other than family members, many other people are involved, including a music group, a pundit (priest), and relatives.

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Following is a list of some of the most typical marriage arrangements in Nepal:

The beetle nut is given to the girl’s party by the boy’s party to certify the marriage, which is how marriage arrangements are established (Supari Bibaha).

Marriage by request (Magi bibaha) – A marriage is arranged by the boy’s or girl’s party making a modest request.

Marriage by kidnapping (Chori Bibaha) – Chori Bibaha is the practice of getting married secretly, either by the boy’s or girl’s party, without the authorization of guardians.

Some communities follow the ancient marriage rite known as Chori Bibaha. This rite frequently takes place when a bride may not readily acquiesce or when a boy wishes to avoid the drawn-out processes of an arranged marriage. A boy typically kidnaps a girl from a market or a fair.

After being captured, a girl may visit her parents if she steadfastly refuses to get married for three days. A proper wedding ceremony is planned if she agrees.

As modernisation and anti-kidnapping legislation are enforced, this act is now rarely performed.

Widow Marriage (Bidhawa Bibaha) – This type of marriage is one that a widow arranges freely after her husband’s passing.

Marriage arranged with payment of a fine (Jari Bibaha)-Jari marriage takes place when a married or unmarried male marries a married female and her second husband after paying a specified sum to the wife’s first husband. It’s a form of marriage. The term “Jaari” or “Jhari” is used in Nepali to refer to this practice.

This custom has received much criticism because it reinforces patriarchal values, objectifies women, and upholds gender disparity. Additionally, it raises questions about treating women as commodities and taking advantage of vulnerable people.

In most instances, Jaari Marriage is employed by men as an avenue for acquiring spouses without going through traditional marriage rites or getting their permission. This could have serious consequences for the women concerned; these include emotional distress, financial exploitation, as well as social exclusion.

It must be noted that Jaari Marriage cannot be considered a legitimate marriage in any community. Gender equality should be advocated for and harmful practices like Jaari Marriage challenged if the rights and dignity of all individuals including women are to be promoted.

Legal Support for Matrimony

There are several legal requirements for the marriage contract. The legislation recognizes some marriage customs while rejecting others.

The sorts of marriage based on legal provisions are as follows:

Void Marriage – Boys and girls should agree to organize the marriage. If neither party’s consent is obtained, the arrangement is void.

Marriage that is voidable – If both the boy and the girl were married before they turned 16 years old, the marriage would be null and void.
Marriage that is planned among the kins is punishable, whether it is done voluntarily or unwillingly.

Legal Marriage – A marriage that is organized in accordance with traditions, customs, and cultures when both parties are of legal age to do so is referred to as a legal marriage. All such weddings are governed by the national laws in effect. Any sort of traditional marriage can be planned in accordance with culture and customs under Nepali law. But neither the marriage nor any system that would take into account culture, religion, or belief have been defined by the law. Following the implementation of the “Marriage Restriction Act,” marriages that do not conflict with the provisions of the act and are conducted in accordance with one’s religion, caste, or tradition may be recorded at the registration office.
based on the number of spouses and types of marriage