Who is Aryatara Shakya? Nepal's chosen living goddess 'Kumari'
Two-year-old Aryatara Shakya has been chosen as Nepal's new Kumari, or living goddess, during the Dashain festival. Selected from the Shakya clan of the Newar community, she will reside in Kathmandu's Kumari Ghar, living a secluded life while blessing devotees. Revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, her role continues Nepal's tradition of worshipping a young girl as a divine figure.