Kathmandu (dpa) - Nepal's famous Kumaris - prepubescent girls considered to be incarnations of a Hindu goddess - will receive retirement benefits starting June, the government announced on Tuesday.
The provision, which sees former Kumaris receiving a monthly allowance of 10,000 rupees (101 dollars), will benefit around 10 girls who were stripped of the title upon reaching puberty.
"This is a gesture to extend our tribute to the former Kumaris," Kathmandu Metropolitan City chief Laxman Aryal said at a press conference.
The Kumari is a virgin deity, regarded as the protector of the ancient Kingdom of Nepal. The girls are selected at an early age and have to go through rituals to attain the title, including spending time in seclusion.
The tradition is a controversial one, with rights activists criticizing the practice of installing the girls at such an early age. Kumaris received no formal education before 2008.
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