Hopes of health and good habits as goddess girls are worshipped

KATHMANDU, Nepal - Over 100 young girls aged under 10 years old participated in the ancient Kumari Puja, part of a festival dedicated to rain god "Indra Jatra", in Nepal on Monday.

The mass ceremony, organized by the World Youth Hindu Federation, took place in the Hanuman Dhoka located in the world heritage site Basantapur Durbar Square.

In this edition annual Kumari Puja, about 108 young girls belonging to the ethnic Newari community dressed up as the living goddess Kumari, were worshipped.

Most of the girls had painted their foreheads red and yellow and used special makeup on their eyes.

In Nepal, Kumari refers to living goddess who is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists.

Kumari, a prepubescent girl chosen based on several physical traits and tough tests, is believed to be the reincarnation of the Hindu goddess Durga, also known as Taleju.

"Kumari Puja has been a part of Indra Jatra festival for centuries. On the occasion, we take the living goddess Kumari to temple of Taleju Bhawani to receive blessings and power.

"In a similar way, we ask young girls to worship the goddess Taleju wishing for more power and protection from diseases and evil forces," said Rajan Maharjan, a priest and the organizer of the ceremony.

Flowers and sweets

Nepal has a tradition of selecting and worshipping Kumaris, one in each of the Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts respectively.

The Kumari of Kathmandu is regarded as the most regal and important one.

During the ritual, participants were offered flower garlands, sweets and other gifts by worshippers.

Many of the girls' parents expressed belief that Kumari Puja would bring luck to their daughters while they have good habits and health like the original Kumari.

Sunita Shrestha, who participated in the ceremony along with her daughter, said: "Kumari Puja is an ancient culture. We follow this ritual with a belief that our daughters will stay healthy and free from diseases."

Many of the girls who took part in the ritual said they enjoyed the experience.

"I am happy to wear bangles, necklace and so muchjewelry today. I am dressed up as the goddess Kumari," said 8-year-old participant Shristi Maharjan.

Xinhua