This Dashain, Kathmandu officially installed a new Royal Kumari, the highest authority among the city’s many living gods and goddesses.
The outgoing Royal Kumari, Trishna Shakya, held the seat for eight years. As per tradition, a Kumari must retire before reaching menarche. Her successor has been chosen: two-and-a-half-year-old Aryatara Shakya of Itumbahal. She was be enthroned at the Basantapur Kumari Ghar (House of Kumari) on the occasion of Maha Ashtami on Tuesday. Immediately after the installation, the outgoing Kumari was ceremonially escorted home, where she will remain in divine attire for four days before formally re-entering ordinary life.
