Nepal has many gods, godesses,deities, Bodhisattvas, Buddhas, avatars, and manifestations, but none quite so interesting as the Kumari Devi.  There are several  resident goddesses in Kathmandu, but the Kumari Devi is the most important.  While there some historical debate on how the Kumari Devi became a reality, the selection process is amazingly rigorous.

The most important criteria is that the Kumari is selected from a particular caste of Newari gold/silversmiths.  The girl must be between 4 and puberty and must meet 32 strict physical requirements ranging from eye colour, shape of her teeth, the sound of her voice, and her horoscope must be acceptable.

Once a group of candidates are found they are gathered together in a dark room where terrifying noises are made, while men danceby in horrific masks and 108 gruesome buffalo heads are on display. The true goddess will not be frightened, as she is an incarnation of Durga.  The Kumari then selects clothing and decorations worn by her predecessor as a final test.

The Kumari Devi moves into the Kumari Bahal with her family and participates in about 12 ceremonies a year of which the September Indra Jatra festival is the most important when she travels through the city on a huge temple chariot over a 3-day period, and customarily blesses the King.

The Kumari's reign ends with her first period or any serious accidental loss of blood.  At puberty she is deemed a "normal mortal" and the search starts anew.  During her reign she is supported by the temples income and on retirement she receives a substantial dowry.  Marrying a Kumari is believed to be unlucky, more likely it is adjusting to life as a normal mortal that is challenging.

Last night in Kathmandu.  The band is playing again more American rock/pop - Bon Jovi right now.  Check out the videos of Thamel day/night.