The Nepalese tradition involves pre-pubescent girls from the Shakya caste of the Newari community undergoing rigorous tantric rituals to be designated as a Kumari -- or a living Hindu virgin goddess until puberty is reached.

The chosen girl is then whisked away for a new life in a temple -- with limited contacts with family members and missing out regular school life.

There are several Kumaris in Nepal, although the best known is the royal Kumari, who lives near Kathmandu's temple-studded Basantapur Durbar Square and blesses the king during the annual Indrajatra festival.