Photographing the “Living Goddesses” of Nepal | Exposure

TL;DR

Young girls in Nepal, called Kumari, are taken out of school and worshipped as living goddesses, but their future and personal experiences are worth exploring.

Transcript

some people would say that it's it's difficult life to be a Kumari they're young girls who are taken out of school and they're worshipped there's no way to really understand what that feels like to be worshipped by thousands of people there's no way I was in the National Geographic Office and I went in to say hello to Sarah lien who's the director ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👧 Kumari are young girls who are worshipped as living goddesses in Nepal.
• ❓ The role of Kumari is deeply rooted in religious beliefs and cultural traditions.
• 👧 While there is value in preserving the tradition, there are concerns about the impact on the girls' education and future opportunities.
• ❓ The selection process for Kumari is rigorous and varies depending on the tradition.
• 👯 Kumari experience a unique lifestyle where they are worshipped by thousands of people.
• 👶 Some individuals in the community support the tradition but prefer it not to be imposed on their own children.
• 🤨 The Kumari tradition raises questions about the perception and value of girls in society.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the role of Kumari in Nepalese society?

Kumari serve as living goddesses who are worshipped by the community. They hold a significant religious and cultural role and are believed to embody the goddess they represent.

Q: How are Kumari chosen?

Kumari are selected shortly after birth or at a specified age, depending on the tradition. They go through a rigorous selection process where their physical attributes and other criteria are considered.

Q: How does being a Kumari impact the girls' lives?

Being a Kumari means leaving school and taking on the responsibilities of a living goddess. They are worshipped, but also face limitations in their daily activities. Some girls see it as an honor, while others may feel burdened or miss out on typical childhood experiences.

Q: What are the concerns surrounding the Kumari tradition?

Concerns include the risks involved, the financial burden on families, and the impact on the girls' long-term prospects. Some in the community want to keep the tradition alive, but not necessarily with their own children.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Kumari are young girls in Nepal who are worshipped as living goddesses.

• They are chosen at a young age and instructed to sit still and be worshipped by thousands.

• While the community values this tradition, there are concerns about its impact on the girls' lives and futures.