Nepal’s new living goddess was carried by family members, friends and devotees from her home in an alley in Kathmandu to a temple palace on Tuesday during the country’s longest and most significant Hindu festival. 

Aryatara Shakya, at 2 years and 8 months, was chosen as the new Kumari or “virgin goddess,” replacing the incumbent who is considered by tradition to become a mere mortal upon reaching puberty. The goddesses are worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists.