The Kumari, Bungamati, Nepal. The Kumari is considered by Hindus and some Buddhists to be the living embodiment of the goddess Taleju. The child is selected by religious leaders after passing a series of tests to determine her innocence and worthiness, according to Shambu, my Nepali guide.
Ceremonial dress on a religious holiday. I told the Kumari she was beautiful and she kept repeating the word in exaggerated syllables "Buw-tee-full."
The Kumari's lovely attendant - possibly her mother - who looks after her.
See more Nepal portraits on my website here.
Buw-tee-full indeed
off to see more of YOUR buw-tee
x..x
Posted by: Stephanie | 12 January 2011 at 23:24
Stunning photography!! You just keep getting better :)
Posted by: JanePoet ~ Deborah | 12 January 2011 at 22:10
Happy New Year to you my wonderful friend. These are stunning images, I am proud and jealous!
Posted by: Donna | 09 January 2011 at 05:54
Be-yew-te-ful is an understatement. Simply splendid.
Posted by: jeanie | 08 January 2011 at 16:38
Tara you have a magical way about you to collect the photographs you need without making your subject matter feel like just that.
I remember how respectful you were at the Red Sea, when we approached the Bedouin woman, and she gladly posed for you. You have a way of charming people, I must learn how you do this!
The photo of the Kumari's attendant is mesmerizing, there is an enchantment about the photograph that is hard to pinpoint. Maybe her smile?
Miss you would love chats this week. Or early next?
xoxox
Posted by: Gillian | 08 January 2011 at 04:30
how beautiful she is.
breathtaking photography.
Posted by: christina | 08 January 2011 at 04:15
This is stunning dear Tara. How wonderful you got to meet her.
Posted by: Yoli | 06 January 2011 at 22:02
This image and post have been up opened on my computer since I first opened it yesterday morning. I keep coming back to it. I don't know what is true about our souls, but that child's eyes are an argument for reincarnation, if not as a deva, then certainly with retained wisdom.
Posted by: Tracy | 06 January 2011 at 17:39
I think that I am in love! What is it about beauty that moves our souls?
Posted by: Patricia | 06 January 2011 at 15:41
Nepal is with Tibet, one of the country I really feel drawn to. Scratch this, India would be first in that group, now that I think of it. The Kumari's eyes seem to look right through you. Stunning!
Posted by: Anyes | 06 January 2011 at 00:28
Beautiful photographs! How do you get the opportunity to meet and photograph such interesting people?
Posted by: martina | 06 January 2011 at 00:20
She is beautiful! I will go explore your other pictures and curious to read about the Kumari. I have not heard of her. Now I wonder how you had the opportunity to meet her?
Posted by: Marilyn Miller | 05 January 2011 at 22:13