NEPAL | Living Child Goddess

For centuries in Nepal, girls - some as young as one - have been chosen to be living goddesses - or Kumaris. They are worshipped and revered by Buddhists and Hindus. The title is bestowed on three girls at any one time. Once appointed, the Kumari is confined to the temple and has little contact with the outside world. When they hit puberty they must leave and try to live an ordinary life. As part of the 100 Women season, Sahar Zand travels to Nepal to find out if this practice empowers women or demeans them. She meets those living as Kumaris, and talks to several former Kumaris about what life is like for them now.

December 2016