Kathmandu, July 06: Nearly 365 young girls were worshipped here at a special function and treated with special dishes in the belief that it would keep them free from diseases. The event known as Kumari Pooja is practiced every year in which the girls, some as young as 10 months, are elaborately dressed, decorated with ornaments and offered special gifts and food. Kumari, popularly known as the living goddess, and three young boys representing deities Ganesh, Kumar and Bhairav, are also worshipped along with the other girls. The event was held at Machhendrabahal-Ason in Kathmandu at the initiative of local Guthi organization. Girls of Newar community from Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Banepa and many other places participated in the event. Prayers were performed by 65-year-old chief priest known as Thakali. The tradition is prevalent for more than a century among the Newar ethnic community here. Some 6,000 worshippers from various parts of Kathmandu valley gathered for the event.

Bureau Report