Around the world, many interesting and ancient traditions continue even today. Nepal, in particular, has a very interesting perspective on traditions and customs.
Child goddesses called Kumari are one of these traditions. What kind of life do these girls, whose feet are not even allowed to touch the ground, lead?
In Nepal, some girls are believed to be sacred.
It is believed that the soul of Taleju, the goddess of the Kathmandu Valley, was reincarnated in the body of a little girl. These children, called Goddess Kumari, are chosen only among girls, from the Shakya family of Newari origin.
Goddesses chosen among girls between the ages of 2-6 must meet these criteria and complete many rituals.
What are the first criteria to become a Kumari?
In order to become a goddess, children must get full points from all 32 beauty criteria. Some of these rules; Having a neck like a seashell, a soft and clear voice like a duck, jet black eyes and curved genitals.
Girls who meet all of these so-called beauty criteria must complete two more stages that determine how to become a Kumari.
How are the selection stages?
Candidate Kumari children are put in a room with toys that the previous Kumari had and toys that did not belong to her. The real Kumari is expected to feel and select the toys belonging to the previous Kumari.
Children who pass this stage must spend a night in cold blood in dark rooms with dead cows, pigs, chickens and buffalo heads. The girl who successfully completes all these stages is chosen as the goddess of Nepal.
Children who are chosen as goddesses live a very difficult life.
Goddesses are required to live in their assigned house in Kathmandu. Unfortunately, the children can only leave this house 13 times. These 13 restrictions only cover religious holidays and festivals.
Kumaris can only look out the window once a day. These children, who can only communicate with their families in limited times, do not go to school.
Goddesses, whose feet are forbidden from touching the ground, have been victims of this tradition since the 17th century.
Kumaris, who mingle with the public on special occasions, are welcomed with gifts and great enthusiasm. People even carry these girls on their shoulders because their feet are forbidden from touching the ground.
This tradition, which has a 2300-year-old origin, unfortunately drags many young children into a difficult life.
Kumaris are barred from being goddesses when they become young girls.
When children first get their period, Nepalese people believe that they lose their innocence. Therefore, Kumaris who have reached puberty are expelled from the goddessship and younger girls are chosen to replace them.
The superstition that ‘those who marry Kumari will die quickly’ causes these children to be lonely and asocial for life.
This tradition really gives you chills. Many interesting traditions like this still continue today.
Sources: The New York Times, Heaven Himalaya
Other content that might interest you:
27293
