Nepal's Ancient Kumari Tradition: Two-Year-Old Aryatara Shakya Becomes New Living Goddess During Dashain Festival

Sep 30, 2025 07:15 pm CST

A 2-year-old girl named Aryatara Shakya has been selected as Nepal's new Kumari or living goddess during the country's most significant Hindu festival, Dashain. Following ancient traditions, she will live in a temple palace, bless devotees including the president, and maintain a secluded life until puberty. Recent reforms now allow Kumaris to receive education and government pensions after their service.