Nepal Installs 2-Year-Old Aryatara Shakya as Living Kumari Goddess During Dashain Festival

Aryatara Shakya, a two-year and eight-month-old girl, has been chosen as Nepal's new Kumari, or living goddess, succeeding the previous Kumari who retires upon reaching puberty. The Kumari tradition, deeply rooted in Nepalese Hindu and Buddhist culture, involves selecting a young girl from the Shakya clan of the Newar community based on strict physical and spiritual criteria, including flawless features and bravery tested through rituals. Aryatara was ceremoniously carried from her home to the temple palace in Kathmandu during the Dashain festival, receiving reverence from devotees who touched her feet, offered flowers, and money. As Kumari, she will live a sequestered life in the Kumari Ghar temple, making rare public appearances and blessing devotees including the president, while benefiting from evolving educational opportunities. The selection process is overseen by senior Buddhist figures and a royal astrologer, reflecting the goddess Taleju's embodiment believed to protect the nation. Despite the revered status, former Kumaris often face challenges reintegrating into ordinary life after their tenure ends, although recent improvements have been made regarding their education and social exposure.