Prakash Kafle/Kathmandu — A unique and meaningful event took place recently at the Pashupatinath Temple. A couple, Subas Bastakoti and Anupa Regmi, performed the sacred bratabandha (thread ceremony) for their two daughters—14-year-old Samu and 10-year-old Paru. Traditionally, this ritual is considered to be performed only for boys, and conducting it for daughters has sparked widespread debate in society.
According to the parents, the decision was based on scientific understanding that there is no fundamental difference between boys and girls except for the X and Y chromosomes. They said they wanted to deliver a message of equality among children.
The mother, Anupa Regmi, said, “We have two daughters. More than family, there was pressure from society that we must have a son. People would say there must be a son to perform funeral rites and inherit property.” She added that even when visiting their village in Gorkha, relatives would pressure them, saying, “We will perform the funeral rites, just lend us money.” “After the bratabandha, our daughters will inherit property and perform the rituals themselves,” she clarified.
She also shared that they had experienced social discrimination simply for having daughters. “The difference between a son and a daughter is only chromosomes. The process of birth is the same, and there is no difference in capability. So why discriminate against daughters?” she questioned, adding that such mindsets must change.
According to Anupa, their daughters did not accept the traditional gunyu cholo ritual. “They refused it, saying there is no mantra and no scientific basis behind it,” she said.
In religious and cultural contexts as well, there is no clear prohibition against girls performing bratabandha. In places like Haridwar in India, girls are seen wearing the sacred thread, and some religious groups do not restrict it. Hindu scriptures also mention women studying the Vedas and wearing the sacred thread, although in practice the tradition has largely remained limited to boys.
The bratabandha ritual is generally understood as a process of discipline, beginning formal education, and developing a sense of responsibility in life. The parents believe such practices should also be embraced by daughters.
This event challenges the old belief that only sons are entitled to inheritance and rituals, sending a strong message that “children are equal.” While many have appreciated the initiative positively, some have criticized it for challenging traditional norms.
Nevertheless, the bratabandha ceremony at Pashupatinath has further strengthened the debate on gender equality in Nepalese society and encouraged reflection on long-standing traditions.
समाजले ‘अंश खाने छोरो छैन’ भनेपछि छोरीको व्रतबन्ध — पशुपतिनाथबाट उठ्यो समानताको सन्देश
