
Jim McMahon

Why is this young girl being treated like royalty? The Hindu and Buddhist people of Nepal consider her a kumari, a
ZUMA Press, Inc./Alamy Stock Photo
The Life of a Child Goddess
Jim McMahon
Why is this young girl being treated like royalty? The Hindu and Buddhist people of Nepal consider her a kumari, a
Goddess Rules
A kumari is allowed to speak only to family and close friends.
She can leave her home only to go to festivals.
When she goes outside, her feet can’t touch the ground.
A kumari must always wear red, the color of creative energy.
She isn’t allowed to go to school and must study at home instead.
She must hide her emotions. If she smiles at worshippers, they believe they’ll die soon after.