It has been a tradition in Nepal to choose a living goddess or  “kumari” from several 2- to 4-year-old girls who are all members of the Shakya goldsmith caste. To be a living goddess the child must have perfect hair, eyes, teeth and skin with no scars. She should not also be afraid of the dark. Recently, the panel of judges had appointed 3-year old Matani Shakya, as the new ‘kumari,’ or living goddess. During her reign as a living goddess, she will have to wear red, pin up her hair in topknots, and have a “third eye” painted on her forehead.

She would be living in an ancient palatial temple in the heart of the Nepali capital, Katmandu She will stay here until she reaches puberty and loses her divine status.

According to critics, the said tradition violates both international and Nepalese laws on child rights. The girls often struggle to readjust to normal lives after they return home.

“I feel a bit sad, but since my child has become a living goddess I feel proud,” said her father Pratap Man Shakya.

I respect everyone’s tradition and practices but personally, if I have a daughter, I would not want her to be a living goddess. A child at that age should be experiencing a normal life, with her family. Especially at the age of 3, a child would need her parents’ care, nurture and guidance.

The chosen one won’t be a living goddess all her life. She will have to give up her title the time she menstruates. I think that would be a very hard adjustment. on her part when she returns home. How would she be able to easily cope up living a normal life?

However, I am not fully informed on how the child will lead her life as a living goddess so I can’t say for sure if this tradition is a harmful practice or a violation of the child’s right. But if it’s her higher calling based on their beliefs, who am I to question that?