Kathmandu – Nearly 90 young girls gathered at historic Itumbahal in Kathmandu on Saturday for a mass Kumari Puja, a traditional Newar ritual honoring young girls as embodiments of divine feminine energy.
Organized by Itumbaha: Misa Pucha, the ceremony brought together girls dressed in traditional attire, with many adorned in ways resembling Nepal’s revered Living Goddess Kumari. The colorful gathering added a vibrant cultural atmosphere to the historic courtyard.
Kumari Puja is a sacred tradition in which pre-pubescent girls are worshipped as manifestations of the divine feminine, traditionally associated with Goddess Durga. Their innocence and purity are regarded as symbols of spiritual power.
The ritual is performed by devotees seeking good health, protection, prosperity and peace for their families and communities. It is also believed to help ward off misfortune and negative influences.
Beyond its religious significance, Kumari Puja reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley, where Hindu and Newar Buddhist traditions have developed together over centuries. The tradition is historically linked with the worship of Taleju and the Living Goddess Kumari.
The mass Kumari puja offered a vivid glimpse of Kathmandu’s living heritage, bringing generations together through faith, community and cultural continuity.
Photo : Sunil Sharma
