A sign in the courtyard of the Kathmandu Kumari. The Kumari, an actual pre-pubescent girl, is considered a Hindu "living goddess" by the Newari people of the Kathmandu Valley. In another instance of the blurry lines between Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal, the girl who is chosen to be the incarnation of the Kumari must be from a Buddhist family. If you go into this courtyard between certain hours of the day and shout up to the second floor, the Kumari will sometimes make an appearance. It is a blessing if she catches your eye. No photos of her are allowed, however, as this sign indicates.
