Kumari "The Living Goddess"

Welcome to Nepal, the land of living gods and goddesses. Kumari is derived from the Sanskrit word Kaumarya, which means princess. Learn the historical significance of worshiping a girl as a goddess; be a part of the tradition that dates back to the 17th century where two of the world’s oldest religions Hinduism and Buddhism interlink.

As the selection process of a Kumari resembles that of Tibetan Lamas, like the Panchen Lama or the Dalai Lama. Visit the Kumari Ghar, situated at Basantapur, where the goddess resides and to get a glimpse of the goddess.

If you are visiting around late August or early September, then be sure to be a part of the biggest and most vibrant festival in Nepal called Indra Jatra, where the Kumari, is paraded across the city, in her golden palanquin. It is quite a sight to behold, as hundreds of masked men and devotees dance to traditional Newari music and pull on the chariots of the Lord Indra and Kumari.

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