What's happened
Nepal's Indra Jatra festival featured the traditional procession of the Kumari, Nepal’s living goddess, in Kathmandu. Shakya, who has served as Kumari since age 3, was driven in a chariot amid thousands of devotees. The festival highlights Nepal’s unique religious traditions and cultural heritage.
What's behind the headline?
The celebration of the Kumari during Indra Jatra underscores Nepal’s syncretic religious culture, blending Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The selection and reverence of the Kumari reflect deep-rooted beliefs in divine incarnation and spiritual authority. The festival’s prominence, attended by top officials and thousands of locals, reinforces its cultural significance. However, the practice of choosing young girls for such roles raises ongoing debates about child rights and gender roles in Nepal. The event also serves as a reminder of Nepal’s rich heritage, which continues to attract international interest and tourism. As the festival gains global visibility, it may influence discussions on cultural preservation versus modern ethical standards.
What the papers say
AP News and The Independent both report on the same event, emphasizing the cultural and religious significance of the Kumari procession during Indra Jatra. AP News provides detailed descriptions of the procession and the girl’s role, while The Independent adds context about the festival’s broader cultural importance and the selection process of the Kumari. The Independent also mentions other upcoming festivals like Dasain and Tihar, highlighting Nepal’s vibrant festival calendar. The articles complement each other, with AP focusing on the event specifics and The Independent offering cultural background, making the coverage comprehensive and balanced.
How we got here
The Kumari, a young girl revered as a living goddess, is selected from the Newar community in Kathmandu at a very young age. She lives in the temple palace and participates in festivals until puberty. The Indra Jatra festival marks the end of monsoon and rice farming season, honoring the Hindu god Indra, and is a major cultural event for Nepal, especially among the Newar community.
Go deeper
- What is the significance of the Kumari in Nepalese culture?
- How are Kumaris selected and what are the controversies surrounding this practice?
- What other festivals are part of Nepal’s cultural calendar?
More on these topics
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Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, with a population of around 1 million. Also known as the city of temples, the city stands at an elevation of approximately 1,400 metres above sea level in the bowl-shaped Kathmandu valley in central Nepa
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Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a country in South Asia. It is mainly in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It is the 49th largest country by population and 93rd largest country by area.