By a stroke of luck, I find myself in Kathmandu on the day of one of its most splendid festivals—the Kumāri Jātrā. This celebration centers around the Kumari, a young girl revered as a living Goddess.
well done GB, interesting that a culture striving for greatest enlightenment is also plunging to the depths of stupidity at the same time. that's duality for us. this one sees a living goddess every time me peepers glimpse a Sheela no mater what age she be.
G'day Nige. Yep, it's pretty hard for us Westerners to grasp, but the tradition dates back centuries and holds immense cultural significance for the Nepalese people. It's worth noting that there are efforts to modernise the practice to balance tradition with contemporary values and human rights. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it!
Hi Beth, great to see you here. I only know what I have been told - the selection criteria is based on family background, physical attributes, personality traits, and the willingness and capability of the child to perform the role of the Hindu Goddess Taleju. As far as I know there is no male equivalent. Thanks for the excellent comment!
Difficult for us Westerners to understand how different cultures can accept strange beliefs. I imagine the girl’s parents feel honoured, but you’re right Grant, this young girl’s life is not her own. It’s very sad. It would be really interesting to know which of our beliefs/traditions they find incredulous. Great writing Grant. Thanks for taking us along for the ride. Safe travels.
well done GB, interesting that a culture striving for greatest enlightenment is also plunging to the depths of stupidity at the same time. that's duality for us. this one sees a living goddess every time me peepers glimpse a Sheela no mater what age she be.
G'day Nige. Yep, it's pretty hard for us Westerners to grasp, but the tradition dates back centuries and holds immense cultural significance for the Nepalese people. It's worth noting that there are efforts to modernise the practice to balance tradition with contemporary values and human rights. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it!
Do you know how or why any one child is selected? Do they do something similar with boys or is it only girls?
Hi Beth, great to see you here. I only know what I have been told - the selection criteria is based on family background, physical attributes, personality traits, and the willingness and capability of the child to perform the role of the Hindu Goddess Taleju. As far as I know there is no male equivalent. Thanks for the excellent comment!
Difficult for us Westerners to understand how different cultures can accept strange beliefs. I imagine the girl’s parents feel honoured, but you’re right Grant, this young girl’s life is not her own. It’s very sad. It would be really interesting to know which of our beliefs/traditions they find incredulous. Great writing Grant. Thanks for taking us along for the ride. Safe travels.
Thanks for the props mate, and for the thoughtful comment. It's a deep and fascinating topic to delve into.
Wow Grant! What a beautiful and bittersweet story! Your adventures amaze me!
Thanks for the kind words Jesse - lots more stories on the way :)