A controversial yet interesting cultural practice of the Newar community in Kathmandu, Kumari is worshipped as a living goddess since the medieval times of Nepal. A prepubescent girl is chosen from a Shakya clan and revered as a manifestation of the divine feminine entity until her first menstruation.

She is worshipped once a year during the festival of Kumari Jatra when a chariot carrying Kumari is taken out in public. However, she is not allowed to put her feet on the ground and lives in Kumari Ghar in the middle of the city. After her role is over, then the new Kumari must be appointed. Hindus worship her as the incarnation of Goddess Durga.