Watch Kumari: Living Goddess Of Nepal

Kumari: Living Goddess Of Nepal is a documentary that delves into the life of the Kumari, a young girl who is considered the living embodiment of the Hindu goddess Taleju in Nepal. The movie explores the tradition of Kumari worship, which dates back to the medieval Malla dynasty, and how it continues to be an integral part of Nepali culture despite the country's rapid modernization.

The documentary begins with an introduction to the Kumari tradition and its roots in Nepali mythology. The story goes that Taleju, one of the most revered goddesses in Hinduism, once appeared to a king in a dream and instructed him to find a young girl who embodied her spirit. After a rigorous selection process, the Kumari was chosen and became the living representation of the goddess on earth. The film explains how the Kumari is believed to possess divine powers and is consulted by devotees for blessings and guidance.

The movie then moves on to introduce the current Kumari, a young girl named Chanira Bajracharya, who was selected from a pool of eligible candidates when she was just three years old. Chanira's family is interviewed, and they express their pride and joy that their daughter has been chosen as the Kumari. The documentary also shows Chanira going about her daily life, which is a unique blend of spiritual practices and mundane activities. We see her being dressed in her traditional red robe and golden crown every morning and being carried to the Kumari Ghar, the temple where she resides. We also see her playing with her toys and doing her schoolwork when she's not being worshipped.

The movie then explores the rigorous rituals and ceremonies that the Kumari must perform, such as the annual Indra Jatra festival, where the Kumari is paraded through the streets of Kathmandu amid much fanfare. We also see the Kumari consulting with devotees, who bring offerings and seek her blessings. The film highlights the Kumari's importance in Nepali society, as she is considered a mediator between gods and humans and a source of comfort and guidance for those in need.

The documentary also touches on the controversies surrounding the Kumari tradition, such as the criticism that it perpetuates the idea that girls are objects to be worshipped and the question of whether it is ethical to subject a young child to the pressures and expectations of being a goddess. The movie interviews various experts and scholars who offer their perspectives on these issues, and while the film does not take a definitive stance, it presents a balanced overview of the different opinions.

Overall, Kumari: Living Goddess Of Nepal is a fascinating exploration of a unique cultural tradition that is both ancient and modern. The movie presents a colorful and vivid portrait of the Kumari and her world, while also providing insights into the complexities and challenges of preserving such a tradition in a rapidly changing society. Anyone interested in Hinduism, Nepal, or cultural anthropology will find this documentary to be a rich and engaging experience.