A two-year-old girl was carried by her family from their Kathmandu home to a temple palace on Tuesday, as she was named Nepal’s new living goddess during the nation’s most significant Hindu festival.

At 2 years and 8 months, Aryatara Shakya was declared the new Kumari, or “virgin goddess,” succeeding her predecessor, who by tradition is regarded as mortal once she reaches puberty.

Kumaris are traditionally chosen from the Shakya clans of the Newar community, native to the Kathmandu Valley, and are venerated by both Hindus and Buddhists in the predominantly Hindu country.

Candidates, selected between ages 2 and 4, must possess flawless skin, hair, eyes and teeth, and show no fear of the dark.

During the Indra Jatra festival earlier this month, the former Kumari was wheeled around on a c

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