Kathmandu Metropolitan City on Friday felicitated eight former Kumaris of Hanumandhoka with cash and awards in recognition of their contribution to culture and religion.

Chief and executive officer of KMC Rudra Singh Tamang handed over cheque worth Rs120,000 for the current year (as Rs10,000 allowance per month) along with Shreepad Samman each to six Kumaris who were present in the function and relatives of two who could not attend.

Former Kumaris Nanimaiya Shakya, Sunina Shakya, Anita Shakya, Rashmila Shakya, Amita Shakya and Priti Shakya were present in the function held at Kumari Ghar in Basantapur while Nanisobha Shakya could not attend due to illness and Harshalaxmi Shakya is currently out of the country.

Speaking in the programme, chairman of Indra Jatra Management Committee Gautam Shakya said that the age-old tradition of worshipping living goddess Kumari and taking out chariot procession has promoted Nepal’s culture in the world.

The tradition to worship Kumari began 257 years ago (Nepal Sambat 877) with the establishment of Taleju Bhawani Mandir in Basantapur. A Kumari is a pre-pubescent girl from a select Newari clan and remains a goddess till she hits puberty and then she is replaced. The goddess is taken out of her home only 13 times in a year for various cultural and religious functions while other times pilgrims can worship her at her home.

Speaking to the Post, former Kumari Amita Shakya said that life after being a Kumari is totally different as she becomes a mortal person from a divine figure and has to taken on worldly responsibilities. “I have a day job now and have to live like a normal person,” she said.

Another former Kumari Rashmila Shakya said that there are several misconceptions regarding Kumaris which have to be removed. “There is a superstition that a man who marries a Kumari is doomed to die within six months but this is not true,” she said. “I have been married for quite some time now but my husband is alright.”

KMC started providing former Kumaris with Rs10,000 monthly allowance since last year. The government also provides Rs3,750 per month to former Kumaris.