By Shashi P.B.B. Malla
There have been reports in social media – but totally ignored in the established media – that at the end of this year’s Indra Jatra Festival, the Kumari or the Living Goddess rebuffed the Head of State, Ram Chandra Poudel.
This is a very serious matter of state and no laughing matter.
As is the tradition, since the time of the Great King Prithvi Narayan Shah, Poudel went to the Kumari House at Hanuman Dhoka to receive the ‘Tika’ [holy red sign] and the accompanying blessings.
Unfortunately, something unprecedented happened: The Kumari flatly refused to apply the ‘Tika’ to the Head of State!
Some people from the Kumari’s household immediately realized the gravity of the situation and diplomatically convinced the Kumari in the Newari language to please apply the “Tika’.
The Kumari did so, but grudgingly – but only with the vermillion powder without the ‘Acheta’ [rice corns].
It was, therefore, not a full-fledged blessing.
In fact, the lack of ceremony and gravitas on the part of the Head of State raises many serious questions.
But first the behaviour of Poudel.
He did not respect the protocol of visiting the Kumari.
First, and foremost he did not take off his shoes on the ground floor as is the normal procedure even in ordinary Nepali households, but marched to the Kumari’s residence on the upper floor with his shoes on.
This was greatly disrespectful of the Kumari, revered by the absolute majority of Nepalese, whether Hindu or Buddhist.
Second, the presidents of the Republic, including Poudel, have refused – unlike the Shah monarchs – to pay proper obeisance to the Kumari by touching her feet with their heads – the ‘Dhoknu’ ceremony which is obligatory in inferior-superior relationships.
Where doe this leave us Nepalese?
respecting our religious traditions and political culture, they should be barred from participating in such religious functions and festivals.
As they are all for secularism, they should practice what they preach, follow their Constitution and avoid religious functions.
In order to preserve a sense of continuity, religious tradition and political culture, a member of the erstwhile Shah dynasty should cultivate close relations with the family of the Kumari.
This includes receiving ‘Tika’ from the Kumari on auspicious occasions.
The writer can be reached at: shashimalla125@gmail.com
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