The word Kumari literally means “virgin” in Nepali. These living goddesses are young, pre-pubescent girls who are considered to be incarnations of the Hindu goddess of power, Kali. They live a sheltered life until they reach puberty, and are worshipped in Nepal by both Hindus and Buddhists.
In October 2010, at age 9, Samita Bajracharya became Kumari of Patan. Photographer Narendra Shrestha followed Samita's time as Kumari through her retirement in 2014, documenting her reintegration into a normal childhood.
Additional reporting by European Pressphoto Agency