Seven-year-old girl declared living goddess
Kathmandu 11 Sep (ANA) - A seven-year-old girl in Nepal was selected to be a living and breathing goddess when she was just a toddler due to having 'eyelashes like a cow' and a 'voice as clear as a duck.' The goddess or Kumari continues the centuries-old tradition of child deities living among mortals in Nepal where she is worshiped by Hindus and Buddhists alike. At the Hindu festival of rain in July thousands came to pay their respects to the child including the Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who had to bow and scrape to the child when the pair met. Despite her lofty status the seven-year-old, who is called Yunika and is said give good luck to all those who lay their eyes on her, still lives with her parents. 'When my daughter was selected as a Kumari, I felt very happy,' her father, Ramesh Bajracharya, said through a translator. 'It's because Kumari is hugely regarded and respected living goddess in Nepal.'  The girl's parents left their jobs in the town of Patan to become full-time carers to their daughter which has proven to be a tricky task as the Kumari are not permitted to leave their homes, except for special occasions, and her feet are never allowed to touch the floor. Yunika's mother has become something of a make-up artist having to apply unique patterns on her face that mark her out as goddess among mere men. 'I feel little sad that other children play outside, but her friends do come to play with her inside. Whatever she demands, dolls or any plaything, we fulfill her demands' her mother Sabita said. To become a Kumari, which means 'unmarried girl' or 'virgin,' children must meet very specific criteria such as sporting 'eyelashes like a cow,' 'thighs like a deer,' and a 'voice as clear as a duck.' Even if the youngster has all of the aforementioned characteristics her astrological chart must be considered favorable to the King of Nepal's. She will also be tested for signs of fearlessness and serenity before she is adorned with the title.(ANA)
FA/ANA/11 September 2016-----