Pre-Pubescent Girls Worshipped During Kumari Puja in Nepal

Sep 25, 2026

Kathmandu [Nepal], September 25 (ANI): Kathmandu witnessed the annual Kumari Puja, a traditional Newari ritual in which hundreds of pre-pubescent girls were worshipped at Kathmandu Durbar Square.Dressed in traditional attire, the participating girls, locally known as Kanyas, were taken around the Taleju Bhawani Temple as part of the ceremony. Devotees believe the ritual is performed for the well-being and protection of children and to ward off misfortune.Kumari Puja is associated with traditional Hindu and Newari practices and is performed before certain coming-of-age rituals.Nepal is also known for its Living Goddess Kumari tradition, in which a young Newar girl is selected through a traditional process and revered as an embodiment of goddess Taleju. The ceremony reflects Nepal’s enduring religious and cultural heritage.