Indrajatra Festival 2025 - Nepal

Indrajatra Festival 2025 - Nepal

A girl dressed up as living goddess is pictured during the celebration of the traditional Kumari Puja in Kathmandu, Nepal, September 5, 2025. Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Indrajatra Festival 2025 - Nepal

Indrajatra Festival 2025 - Nepal

A girl dressed up as living goddess is pictured during the celebration of the traditional Kumari Puja in Kathmandu, Nepal, September 5, 2025. Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Indrajatra Festival 2025 - Nepal

Indrajatra Festival 2025 - Nepal

A girl dressed up as living goddess is pictured during the celebration of the traditional Kumari Puja in Kathmandu, Nepal, September 5, 2025. Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Indrajatra Festival 2025 - Nepal

Indrajatra Festival 2025 - Nepal

Girls dressed up as living goddess are pictured during the celebration of the traditional Kumari Puja in Kathmandu, Nepal, September 5, 2025. Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Indrajatra Festival 2025 - Nepal

Indrajatra Festival 2025 - Nepal

A girl dressed up as living goddess is pictured during the celebration of the traditional Kumari Puja in Kathmandu, Nepal, September 5, 2025. Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Indrajatra Festival 2025 - Nepal

Indrajatra Festival 2025 - Nepal

Girls dressed up as living goddess are pictured during the celebration of the traditional Kumari Puja in Kathmandu, Nepal, September 5, 2025. Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Indrajatra Festival 2025 - Nepal

Indrajatra Festival 2025 - Nepal

A girl dressed up as living goddess is pictured during the celebration of the traditional Kumari Puja in Kathmandu, Nepal, September 5, 2025. Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Indrajatra Festival 2025 - Nepal

Indrajatra Festival 2025 - Nepal

A girl dressed up as living goddess is pictured during the celebration of the traditional Kumari Puja in Kathmandu, Nepal, September 5, 2025. Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

(SP)CHINA-SHANGHAI-ARCHERY WORLD CUP-STAGE 1 (CN)

(SP)CHINA-SHANGHAI-ARCHERY WORLD CUP-STAGE 1 (CN)

(240428) -- SHANGHAI, April 28, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Gold medalist Lim Sihyeon (C) of South Korea, silver medalist Deepika Kumari (L) of India and bronze medalist Li Jiaman of China pose on the podium after the women's recurve individual competition at Shanghai 2024 Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Shanghai, China, April 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

(SP)CHINA-SHANGHAI-ARCHERY WORLD CUP-STAGE 1 (CN)

(SP)CHINA-SHANGHAI-ARCHERY WORLD CUP-STAGE 1 (CN)

(240428) -- SHANGHAI, April 28, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Gold medalist Lim Sihyeon (C) of South Korea, silver medalist Deepika Kumari (L) of India and bronze medalsit Li Jiaman of China pose on the podium after the women's recurve individual competition at Shanghai 2024 Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Shanghai, China, April 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

(SP)CHINA-SHANGHAI-ARCHERY WORLD CUP-STAGE 1 (CN)

(SP)CHINA-SHANGHAI-ARCHERY WORLD CUP-STAGE 1 (CN)

(240428) -- SHANGHAI, April 28, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Deepika Kumari of India competes during the women's recurve individual competition at Shanghai 2024 Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Shanghai, China, April 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

(SP)CHINA-SHANGHAI-ARCHERY WORLD CUP-STAGE 1 (CN)

(SP)CHINA-SHANGHAI-ARCHERY WORLD CUP-STAGE 1 (CN)

(240426) -- SHANGHAI, April 26, 2024 (Xinhua) -- Lim Sihyeon of South Korea, Li Jiaman of China, Deepika Kumari of India and Nam Suhyeon of South Korea (From L to R) pose for photos after the women's recurve competition at Shanghai 2024 Archery World Cup Stage 1 in Shanghai, China, April 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and festival producer Sanjoy K Roy during the inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India on February 1, 2024. Photo by ABACAPRESS.COM

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and festival producer Sanjoy K Roy during the inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India on February 1, 2024. Photo by ABACAPRESS.COM

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and festival producer Sanjoy K Roy during the inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India on February 1, 2024. Photo by ABACAPRESS.COM

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and festival producer Sanjoy K Roy during the inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India on February 1, 2024. Photo by ABACAPRESS.COM

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and festival producer Sanjoy K Roy during the inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India on February 1, 2024. Photo by ABACAPRESS.COM

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and festival producer Sanjoy K Roy during the inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India on February 1, 2024. Photo by ABACAPRESS.COM

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and festival producer Sanjoy K Roy during the inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India on February 1, 2024. Photo by ABACAPRESS.COM

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and festival producer Sanjoy K Roy during the inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India on February 1, 2024. Photo by ABACAPRESS.COM

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and festival producer Sanjoy K Roy during the inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India on February 1, 2024. Photo by ABACAPRESS.COM

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and festival producer Sanjoy K Roy during the inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India on February 1, 2024. Photo by ABACAPRESS.COM

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and festival producer Sanjoy K Roy during the inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India on February 1, 2024. Photo by ABACAPRESS.COM

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival - India

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and festival producer Sanjoy K Roy during the inaugural session of Jaipur Literature Festival, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India on February 1, 2024. Photo by ABACAPRESS.COM

(SP)CHINA-HANGZHOU-ASIAN GAMES-SHOOTING (CN)

(SP)CHINA-HANGZHOU-ASIAN GAMES-SHOOTING (CN)

(231001) -- HANGZHOU, Oct. 1, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Rajeshwari Kumari of India competes during the Women's Team Trap-50 of Shooting at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 1, 2023. (Xinhua/Shan Yuqi)

(SP)CHINA-SHAOXING-ASIAN GAMES-BASKETBALL(CN)

(SP)CHINA-SHAOXING-ASIAN GAMES-BASKETBALL(CN)

(230927) -- SHAOXING, Sept. 27, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Madhu Kumari (C) of India competes during the Women's Preliminary Round Group A match of Basketball between India and Indonesia at the 19th Asian Games in Shaoxing, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

NEPAL-KATHMANDU-KUMARI PUJA

NEPAL-KATHMANDU-KUMARI PUJA

(230927) -- KATHMANDU, Sept. 27, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A girl dressed up as living goddess takes part in the celebration of the traditional Kumari Puja in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sept. 27, 2023. (Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua)

NEPAL-KATHMANDU-KUMARI PUJA

NEPAL-KATHMANDU-KUMARI PUJA

(230927) -- KATHMANDU, Sept. 27, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A girl dressed up as living goddess takes part in the celebration of the traditional Kumari Puja in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sept. 27, 2023. (Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua)

Indra Jatra celebration

Indra Jatra celebration

Nepal's living god Bhairab walks into the Kumari Ghar in capital Kathmandu before the formal start of Indra Jatra festival on Friday. Nepal has a unique tradition of appointing childrens fulfiling the criterias as living Goddess Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairab who are worshipped and taken out on tour ascending them on a chariot during Indra Jatra. Indra Jatra is observed in the Himalayan Nation on fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra as per the lunar calendar. Legends said that the Indra Jatra festival is observed to celebrate the victory of the gods over the demons to release Jayanta, the son of Lord Indra.

Indra Jatra celebration

Indra Jatra celebration

Nepal's living goddess Kumari is ascended on chariot before the formal start of the tour round the city on the occasion of Indra Jatra festival on Friday. Nepal has a unique tradition of appointing childrens fulfiling the criterias as living Goddess Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairab who are worshipped and taken out on tour ascending them on a chariot during Indra Jatra. Indra Jatra is observed in the Himalayan Nation on fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra as per the lunar calendar. Legends said that the Indra Jatra festival is observed to celebrate the victory of the gods over the demons to release Jayanta, the son of Lord Indra.

Indra Jatra celebration

Indra Jatra celebration

Nepal's living god Ganesh is carried on chariot and brought to the Kumari Ghar in capital Kathmandu before the formal start of Indra Jatra festival on Friday. Nepal has a unique tradition of appointing childrens fulfiling the criterias as living Goddess Kumari, Ganesh and Bhairab who are worshipped and taken out on tour ascending them on a chariot during Indra Jatra. Indra Jatra is observed in the Himalayan Nation on fourth day of the waxing moon in the month of Bhadra as per the lunar calendar. Legends said that the Indra Jatra festival is observed to celebrate the victory of the gods over the demons to release Jayanta, the son of Lord Indra.

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

A Nepali Hindu girl donned as Living Goddess Kumari sleeps on the lap of her mother Basantapur Durbar Sqaure while taking part in the Kumari Pooja in capital Kathmandu. Girls running in their pre-pubescent period under go the procession which is believed to ward off the evils and protect the girls. It is a annual procession which takes place in front of Taleju Bhawani Temple attended by hundreds of girls.

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

A Nepali Hindu girl donned as Living Goddess Kumari reacts while while taking part in the Kumari Pooja in capital Kathmandu. Girls running in their pre-pubescent period under go the procession which is believed to ward off the evils and protect the girls. It is a annual procession which takes place in front of Taleju Bhawani Temple attended by hundreds of girls.

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

A Nepali Hindu girl donned as Living Goddess Kumari pose for a photo at Basantapur Durbar Sqaure right before the Kumari Pooja in capital Kathmandu. Girls running in their pre-pubescent period under go the procession which is believed to ward off the evils and protect the girls. It is a annual procession which takes place in front of Taleju Bhawani Temple attended by hundreds of girls.

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

A Nepali Hindu girl donned as Living Goddess Kumari pose for a photo at Basantapur Durbar Sqaure right before the Kumari Pooja in capital Kathmandu. Girls running in their pre-pubescent period under go the procession which is believed to ward off the evils and protect the girls. It is a annual procession which takes place in front of Taleju Bhawani Temple attended by hundreds of girls.

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

A Nepali Hindu girl donned as Living Goddess Kumari pose for a photo at Basantapur Durbar Sqaure right before the Kumari Pooja in capital Kathmandu. Girls running in their pre-pubescent period under go the procession which is believed to ward off the evils and protect the girls. It is a annual procession which takes place in front of Taleju Bhawani Temple attended by hundreds of girls.

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

Nepali Hindu girls donned as Living Goddess Kumari pose for a photo at Basantapur Durbar Sqaure right before the Kumari Pooja in capital Kathmandu. Girls running in their pre-pubescent period under go the procession which is believed to ward off the evils and protect the girls. It is a annual procession which takes place in front of Taleju Bhawani Temple attended by hundreds of girls.

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

A Nepali Hindu girl donned as Living Goddess Kumari plays at Basantapur Durbar Sqaure right before the Kumari Pooja in capital Kathmandu. Girls running in their pre-pubescent period under go the procession which is believed to ward off the evils and protect the girls. It is a annual procession which takes place in front of Taleju Bhawani Temple attended by hundreds of girls.

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

A Nepali Hindu girl donned as Living Goddess Kumari pose for a photo at Basantapur Durbar Sqaure right before the Kumari Pooja in capital Kathmandu. Girls running in their pre-pubescent period under go the procession which is believed to ward off the evils and protect the girls. It is a annual procession which takes place in front of Taleju Bhawani Temple attended by hundreds of girls.

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

A mother applies make up over the face of a Nepali Hindu girl donned as Living Goddess Kumari at Basantapur Durbar Sqaure right before the Kumari Pooja in capital Kathmandu. Girls running in their pre-pubescent period under go the procession which is believed to ward off the evils and protect the girls. It is a annual procession which takes place in front of Taleju Bhawani Temple attended by hundreds of girls.

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

Nepali Hindu girls donned as Living Goddess Kumari sit in line while taking part in the Kumari Pooja in capital Kathmandu. Girls running in their pre-pubescent period under go the procession which is believed to ward off the evils and protect the girls. It is a annual procession which takes place in front of Taleju Bhawani Temple attended by hundreds of girls.

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

A mother applies make up over the face of a Nepali Hindu girl donned as Living Goddess Kumari at Basantapur Durbar Sqaure right before the Kumari Pooja in capital Kathmandu. Girls running in their pre-pubescent period under go the procession which is believed to ward off the evils and protect the girls. It is a annual procession which takes place in front of Taleju Bhawani Temple attended by hundreds of girls.

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

Nepali Hindu girls donned as Living Goddess Kumari pose for a photo in front of Swet Bhairab at Basantapur Durbar Sqaure right before the Kumari Pooja in capital Kathmandu. Girls running in their pre-pubescent period under go the procession which is believed to ward off the evils and protect the girls. It is a annual procession which takes place in front of Taleju Bhawani Temple attended by hundreds of girls.

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

Kumari Pooja in Nepal

A Nepali Hindu girl donned as Living Goddess Kumari pose for a photo at Basantapur Durbar Sqaure right before the Kumari Pooja in capital Kathmandu. Girls running in their pre-pubescent period under go the procession which is believed to ward off the evils and protect the girls. It is a annual procession which takes place in front of Taleju Bhawani Temple attended by hundreds of girls.

NEPAL-KATHMANDU-KUMARI PUJA

NEPAL-KATHMANDU-KUMARI PUJA

(220618) -- KATHMANDU, June 18, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Girls dressed up as living goddesses participate in the celebration of the traditional Kumari Puja in Kathmandu, Nepal, June 18, 2022. (Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua)

NEPAL-KATHMANDU-KUMARI PUJA

NEPAL-KATHMANDU-KUMARI PUJA

(220618) -- KATHMANDU, June 18, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A girl dressed up as living goddess participates in the celebration of the traditional Kumari Puja in Kathmandu, Nepal, June 18, 2022. (Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua)

NEPAL-KATHMANDU-KUMARI PUJA

NEPAL-KATHMANDU-KUMARI PUJA

(220618) -- KATHMANDU, June 18, 2022 (Xinhua) -- A girl dressed up as living goddess participates in the celebration of the traditional Kumari Puja in Kathmandu, Nepal, June 18, 2022. (Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua)

NEPAL-LALITPUR-LIVING GODDESS

NEPAL-LALITPUR-LIVING GODDESS

(220607) -- LALITPUR, June 7, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Living Goddess Kumari is worshipped at Rato Machhindranath Temple in Bungamati, Lalitpur, Nepal, June 7, 2022. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)

NEPAL-LALITPUR-LIVING GODDESS

NEPAL-LALITPUR-LIVING GODDESS

(220607) -- LALITPUR, June 7, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Living Goddess Kumari is worshipped at Rato Machhindranath Temple in Bungamati, Lalitpur, Nepal, June 7, 2022. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)

NEPAL-LALITPUR-LIVING GODDESS

NEPAL-LALITPUR-LIVING GODDESS

(220607) -- LALITPUR, June 7, 2022 (Xinhua) -- Living Goddess Kumari is worshipped at Rato Machhindranath Temple in Bungamati, Lalitpur, Nepal, June 7, 2022. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)