KATHMANDU, NEPAL, November 1, 2006: The Supreme Court in Nepal has ordered an inquiry into whether the tradition of worshipping a living Goddess has led to the exploitation of girls. The landmark order has come in response to a petition seeking an end to the tradition, which campaigners say is a violation of human rights. A final ruling is due after the three-month investigation is completed. The court suggested the committee investigating the Kumari tradition should comprise government officials and experts on the Newari culture. The Newaris are an aboriginal ethnic community who live in and around the Kathmandu Valley. The worship of the Kumari is a centuries old tradition in the Newari community.
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