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Kathmandu, Nepal, March 28, 2007—Young Preeti Shakya watches the White Machindranath Chariot festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 28. Only nine years old, she is the Kumari Devi, or Royal Living Goddess.

Selected through a practice dating back to the 17th century, the Kumari Devi must meet various strict physical requirements, including eye and hair color. Unlike the many other Kumaris in Nepal, the Kathmandu goddess makes only rare public appearances. With the onset of her first period, her reign will end and she will return to mortal status.

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