In a beautifully carved palace on Kathmandu Durbar Square lives one of the most remarkable figures in Nepali culture: the Kumari, a young girl worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists as the living embodiment of the goddess Taleju.
Quick answer: the Royal Kumari of Kathmandu is a young girl from the Newar Shakya community, chosen in early childhood and believed to embody the goddess. She lives in the Kumari Ghar on Kathmandu Durbar Square and appears in public mainly at festivals such as Indra Jatra. She returns to ordinary life when she reaches puberty.
How the Kumari is chosen
Candidates are young girls from the Shakya clan who must meet a list of traditional physical and spiritual qualities, and remain calm and fearless during rituals. The final choice is made by priests and astrologers.
Life as a living goddess
The Kumari lives in the Kumari Ghar with her caretakers. Her feet are not supposed to touch the ground outside, so she is carried in public. Today Kumaris receive education and their rights are protected by Nepal's Supreme Court.
Indra Jatra
The Kumari's most important public appearance is during the Indra Jatra festival, when she is pulled through the old city in a chariot and gives her blessing to the head of state.
Other Kumaris
Patan and Bhaktapur also have their own Kumaris, and some smaller towns have local Kumari traditions.
Seeing the Kumari
Visitors can enter the courtyard of the Kumari Ghar. The Kumari sometimes appears briefly at a window; it is never guaranteed. Photographing the Kumari is not allowed, and visitors should be quiet and respectful. Our Kathmandu old-town walking tour visits the Kumari Ghar.