Nepal’s new living goddess was carried by family members, friends, and devotees from her home in an alley in Kathmandu to a temple palace on Tuesday during the country’s longest and most significant Hindu festival.
Aryatara Shakya, aged 2 years and 8 months, was chosen as the new Kumari, or virgin goddess, replacing the incumbent who, by tradition, is considered to become a mere mortal upon reaching puberty. The goddesses are worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists.
The girls selected as Kumari are between the ages of 2 and 4 and must possess unblemished skin, hair, eyes, and teeth. They should also not be afraid of the dark.
The parade ended at the temple palace, which will be Aryatara Shakya’s home for several years to come.
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