KATHMANDU, NEPAL, March 5, 2009: For the first time in Nepal’s history, the young girl worshipped as a living goddess by Hindus and Buddhists alike (and a major attraction for foreign tourists) has discontinued her much-awaited daily public appearances. Also for the first time, tourists have been stopped from entering her palace.
“We took the decision Monday to protest against the government apathy to Nepal’s priceless legacy,” said Gautam Shakya, a member of the local vigilante committee that is up in arms against the municipal authorities. “Since Monday, we are not allowing tourists to enter the Kumari’s palace; nor will she appear for public at the window of the palace till the government takes action.”
Anger was ignited last week after thieves tried to steal a decorative wooden panel from the temple at the dead. The Palace Area Conservation Pressure Group formed by the local residents says the attacks on the Kumari temple have increased since last year. Like many old temples, this architectural heirloom has become the target of antique thieves. Two decorative arches once gracing the front windows of the Kumari palace were stolen last year.
Eight years ago, the pressure group alleges, the government set up an office at the square that was entrusted with the protection and maintenance of the Kumari temple. “A tourist has to pay between NRS 100-300 to enter the square,” says Shakya. “This month they raised the admission fee. But none of the money is spent on the historic monuments. There is no renovation, no security and even no lights in the square.”
To read the entire article, click on “Source” above.