country’s longest and most significant Hindu festival. Aryatara Shakya, at two years and eight months, was chosen as the new Kumari, or ‘virgin goddess’, replacing the incumbent who is considered by tradition to become a mere mortal upon reaching puberty. Kumaris are chosen from the Shakya clans of the Newar community, indigenous to the Kathmandu valley, and revered by both Hindus and Buddhists in the predominantly Hindu nation. The girls are selected between the ages of two and four and are required to have unblemished skin, hair, eyes and teeth. They should not be afraid of the dark. During the Indra Jatra festival earlier this month, the former Kumari was wheeled around on a chariot pulled by devotees. The Kumari always wears red, pins up her hair in topknots, and has a ‘third eye’ painted on their forehead.

The week-long Indra Jatra festival was the first of a series of celebrations, including Dashain, the main festival, and Tihar, or Diwali, the Festival of Lights, in October. Tuesday marked the eighth day of Dashain, a 15-day celebration of the victory of good over evil. Offices and schools were closed as people celebrated with their families. Family, friends and devotees paraded the new Kumari through the streets of Kathmandu before entering the temple palace which will be her home for several years. “She was just my daughter yesterday, but today she is a goddess,” said her father Ananta Shakya. (Jamaica Gleaner)