Kumari, the Virgin Living Goddess who is worshipped by millions of Nepalis has once again started giving darshan or audience to foreigners after an 11-month hiatus at her abode-Kumari Ghar, Basantapur.
Foreign tourists were restricted from seeing the Kumari following a dispute over allowances to be given to the Living Goddess from the fees raised from them.
Nepali visitors go to the top floor of the Ghar to worship the Kumari. But foreigners are allowed only in the courtyard where they can have a glimpse of the Kumari as she looks out of her window.
Foreigners can have a glimpse of the Kumari from 8 to 12 in the morning and from 4 to 7 in the evening everyday. But in the winter, it closes an hour early in the evening.
As per the new agreement, any offering of gifts or money is purely voluntary. In the past, tourists were charged a certain amount. But taking photographs of the Kumari is prohibited. (press release of NTB)