In Nepal a young girl is worshipped by thousands as a virgin goddess and has traditionally given the King the power and authority to rule by blessing him at an annual festival every September. As democracy grows in this most ancient of nations, her story and the future of the King are now intertwined.
In Nepal things are changing. With Maoists on the streets and elections being organized, tradition and ritual still remain vital in giving this country its identity and provide a way for people to understand many of the changes that are taking place.
For over 250 years one pre-pubescent Nepali girl has been worshipped as the living incarnation of the Goddess Taleju, the omnipotent protector deity of the King and country. During her reign she cannot speak in public, her feet cannot touch the ground and her every expression is analysed for signs of the goddess’s displeasure.
She is the Royal Kumari, wide-eyed, raven-haired and currently just 9 years old. For centuries she has blessed the King, placing a red ‘tikka’ mark on his forehead, but now he has had the power to rule stripped from him and a fragile coalition of 8 political parties negotiates the way forward for the country. In addition, the Supreme Court is soon to pronounce on whether the Kumari’s life as a goddess is an abuse of her human rights.
This program provides a unique insight into an incredible way of life, of belief and tradition still very active in the 21st Century. It reveals many things about Nepal and its traditions and most importantly examines how the changes affecting a 9-year-old girl are a metaphor for those reaching every level of this ancient society. Will the King be blessed by her again this year? – or will the Prime Minister, as the official Head of State, be blessed and be given the power to rule the country instead?
LEARN MORE:
Goddess and the King on BBC Two
About DOC-DEBUT
This film is airing as part of DOC-DEBUT, a series on Link TV highlighting unique and groundbreaking international documentary films. Each week features the U.S. television premiere of a new foreign doc, offering American audiences unprecedented perspectives on world events and culture, as seen through the eyes of individuals across the globe. The series also provides a unique outlet for films by independent directors and producers to reach a much wider international audience.
DOC-DEBUT airs every Sunday at 8pm Pacific and every Saturday at 8pm Eastern.
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