A 2-year-old girl, Arya Tara Shakya, has been named Nepal’s new Kumari, the Living Goddess, as she ascended the sacred throne on Tuesday, continuing a centuries-old tradition of divine embodiment in Kathmandu.
She was selected as the new Kumari during the country’s longest and most important Hindu festival, Dashain. The 2-year-and-8-month-old Shakya will replace the previous Kumari, who traditionally becomes a human being when she reaches puberty.
The new Kumari is chosen from the Shakya tribe of the Newar community in the Kathmandu Valley, which is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal.
The girls selected are between 2 and 4 years old and must have flawless skin, hair, eyes, and teeth. They must also not be afraid of the dark.
The previous Kumari was carried around on a chariot pulled by devotees during the Indira Jatra festival earlier this month. The Kumari always wears red, her hair is tied into a bun, and a third eye is carved on her forehead.
The week-long Indira Jatra marks the beginning of a series of festivals in October that include Dashain, Nepal’s biggest festival, and Tihar or Diwali, the festival of lights.
Tuesday was the eighth day of Dashain, a 15-day festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Offices and schools were closed on the occasion, and people were celebrating with their families.
Shakya’s family, friends, and devotees took her in a procession through the streets of Kathmandu to the temple palace, which will now be her home for many years.
Devotees showed their utmost devotion by touching the Kumari’s feet with their foreheads and offering her flowers and cash gifts. The new Kumari will bless other devotees, including the president, on Thursday.
