Interview with the Kumari

 KUMARI OF PANAUTI

We had the privilege of interviewing the Living Goddess of Panauti and her mother. Media portrayals have been quite misleading regarding the lives of Kumari. We have been used to false generalizations. However, we were felicitated to see how liberated the culture has become while staying true to its values. Compared to the lives of kumaris in the valley, Kumaris on the outskirts of Kathmandu valley have a vastly liberated lifestyle. While some may say that the essence of culture diminishes this way, we say, change is no threat to the culture. We interviewed the Kumari of Panauti, Ojaswi Ghullu.

#Q1. Could you briefly tell us about how your day goes by? 

 I wake up early in the morning and do my Nitya puja. There is a different puja kotha for me upstairs. I then freshen up and get ready for school. I spend the entire day at school. I have got extra tuition, that's why. I then come back home like every other child of my age, I play for a while with my friends, do my homework, have dinner and go to sleep. 

 #Q2. Are there any differences you notice in your life compared to that of your friends? 

 Yes, to a certain extent. Kumaris have remained a sophisticated figure in Nepalese society for a long time now. I am like every other friend of mine. But during times of festivals and occasions, people give more priority to me. People come to visit me and take blessings. I am not supposed to trim my hair and wear black/navy blue clothes, which are some protocols to be followed by kumaris. I am not very indifferent to my friends if these factors are excluded. 

 #Q3. As a mother, could you tell us of your journey as your daughter grew up being a Kumari? 

 With time as she grew up, her responsibilities grew too. she has become more conscious of her actions and along with her, we, too, have to keep up with that our responsibilities widen as the festive season approaches. Having held the duty of carrying the legacy for the future, along with our daughter, sometimes it becomes financially difficult for us, belonging to a middle-class family. However, it all comes with great joy and pride to us that we can be a part of preserving our centuries-long culture. 

 #Q4. While having this conversation, we realized there is a huge difference in the lifestyle of the kumaris of the valley and Panauti. What do you think about this drastic variation? 

 Yes, there is immense variation in the lifestyles of kumaris in the valley and the outskirts of the country, not just Panauti. Unlike the Kumaris of the valley, the kumaris of the outskirts (Nuwakot, Panauti, etc) have an enormously different lifestyle. It's more liberated. Change with time is necessary, and that is what is happening gradually. I am glad that the lives of Kumaris have become easier. 

 #Q.5 What are some misconceptions regarding the culture of Living Goddesses that the general public have? 

 I, before my daughter became the Kumari here, had these misconceptions. I am glad I will be able to clear these misconceptions for others. Many of us believe that Kumaris aren't allowed to marry but in due course of time, there has been a paradigm shift on what post-kumari life looks like.Kumaris are allowed to marry. The other misconceptions are that kumaris aren't allowed to speak, touch the ground, smile, need to be kept isolated, and are prohibited to interact with the general public, which has all been given up with time, in the outskirts of the valley. The lives of kumaris have been less constrained. 

 #Q6. What steps do you deem to be important that need to be taken by the government to ensure the continuity of this centuries-long culture and better lives for Kumaris? 

 The government has a huge role to play here. The state must make people aware of the culture and its essence. Along with that, one of the major problems for the families of kumaris is finance. It becomes difficult to keep up with the expenses, all on our own when we belong to a middle-class family. I believe this is one of the reasons why many eligible ones don't show up. Thus, incentives would play a great role. If incentives are provided to Kumaris, it would not just help continue the culture, but ease the lives of kumaris and encourage others to be a part of this culture, this identity of all of us.