KATHMANDU: The customary ritual of Bel Vivaha, also called Ihi in Nepal Bhasha, was carried out in Bhaktapur on Sunday, with scores of pre-adolescent girls of Newar community taking part in it. As per this ancient tradition, Newar girls are married to the fruit of Bel --wood apple -- as Lord Vishnu's symbol. It is believed that girls, married to Bel, would attain fertility and prosperity. Here are some photographs that our photojournalist Skanda Gautam captured in Bhaktapur.