Sambeg Shakya, 6, observes the Indra Jatra Festival from a window of a house of the Living Goddess Kumari in Kathmandu September 16, 2011. Sambeg Shakya was hailed last year by Buddhist priests as Ganesh, or the god of good fortune, since when he has led several processions of Nepal's better-known 'living goddesses', also known as Kumari. The centuries-old ritual, once used by now-toppled kings who thought it would make them stronger, was the climax of the annual Hindu festival of Dasain, which lasts for two weeks and has become a major tourist attraction in Nepal. Sambeg will continue in his supporting role until he is big enough to fit in a chariot pulled by men, after which he must return to real life. Picture taken September 16, 2011. Photo: Reuters
Kumari Ghar is open for public
KATHMANDU: The Kumari Ghar at Basantapur is open from today for the members of public wishing to pay homage to the Living Goddess Kumari.
The Kumari Ghar is opened for general public every year from the seventh day of Navaratri (Phulpati) to Kojagrat Purnima (full moon day in the month of Ashwin).
The temple will remain open from 9 am to 7 pm during the period, Kumari's aide and Indra Jatra Management Committee Chairman Gautam Ratna Shakya said.
On a regular day, public can visit the temple from 9 am to 12 at noon and from 4 pm to 6 pm during the evening hours.
