The tradition of the ‘The Living Goddess,’ the practice of venerating a young virgin girl, Kumari, as the incarnation of goddess Taleju Bhavani, adds an air of mystery to the image of Nepal. And as one tourist guide put it, it is the unique selling point of Nepal as a tourist destination. For centuries,  the Nepalese royalty have been using these living goddesses to lend legitimacy to their rule.

With the advent of the historic elections in Nepal putting the Maoists in command, it is curtains down for monarchy in Nepal. The question being asked is, is it curtains down for this centuries old tradition too? The Nepalese, both Buddhists and Hindus, are deeply religious people and it may not be easy for them to give up age old customs and traditions.