The video is a documentary about the living goddesses of Nepal, known as the Kumari. The narrator visits Nepal and explores the culture and traditions surrounding these goddesses. He explains that the Kumari are young girls, typically between the ages of 2-5, who are chosen through a strict selection process to serve as the reincarnation of the Goddess Taleju.
The Kumari are believed to possess supernatural powers and are treated with great reverence and respect. However, their lives are highly restricted, and they are not allowed to leave the palace or interact with the outside world. When they reach puberty, they are no longer considered goddesses and are forced to leave the palace and start a new life.
The narrator also explores the cultural and social context of Nepal, including the caste system, the treatment of widows, and the importance of having a son to light the funeral pyre. He also experiences the Hindu New Year celebrations, known as Diwali, and visits the Pashupatinath temple, where he witnesses a cremation ceremony.
Throughout the video, the narrator shares his personal experiences and observations, including meeting a former Kumari who struggled to adjust to life outside the palace. He also shows footage of the Kumari of Patan, who he was able to film with the help of a friend.
The video ends with the narrator reflecting on the complexities of the Kumari tradition and the challenges that these young girls face when they leave the palace. He also expresses his appreciation for the beauty and richness of Nepalese culture.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The video is about the living goddesses of Nepal, also known as the Kumari.
2. The narrator is currently in Nepal, specifically in the Kapan Monastery, a Buddhist monastery.
3. The narrator is filming in various locations in Nepal, including Durbar Squares, which are the main squares of the city.
4. Nepal has a unique flag that is not rectangular nor square, but rather two triangles.
5. The country is still recovering from the 2015 earthquake.
6. The narrator visits Bhaktapur, a peripheral town of Kathmandu, and takes a local bus, which is one of the best and cheapest means of transportation.
7. The narrator sees a drying spot for grains or cereals and meets a local who invites him to try a traditional Nepali beverage.
8. The narrator visits the Durbar Square in Patan and learns about the culture and temples of Nepal.
9. Nepal has a calendar that is a couple of years ahead of the Western calendar, currently in the 2070s.
10. The most important temple in Kathmandu is Boudanas, a great Stupa.
11. Devotees go around the Stupa and the eyes of Buddha are believed to be watching.
12. The population of Nepal is incredibly interesting, with a mix of cultures and traditions.
13. The narrator visits Pashupatinath, a famous Hindu temple, and sees the cremation ceremony of an important person.
14. Sadhus, mystical men dressed in orange, are present at the ceremony, as well as monkeys that fight each other.
15. The narrator experiences Diwali, the Hindu New Year, and sees various celebrations and traditions.
16. Widows are poorly treated in Nepalese society and are often forced to abandon their homes and families after their husband's death.
17. The narrator learns about the Kumari, the living goddesses of Nepal, who are chosen through a strict selection process.
18. The Kumari is a young girl, typically between 2-5 years old, who is believed to be the reincarnation of the Goddess Taleju.
19. The Kumari must fulfill 32 physical and psychological attributes, including having the legs of a deer and a clear voice like a duck.
20. The Kumari is not allowed to leave the palace, except for certain days, and is not allowed to have friends or go to school.
21. The Kumari is believed to have premonitory powers and the ability to heal the sick.
22. The narrator visits the Kumari of Kathmandu, who is the most important of all the Kumaris in Nepal.
23. The narrator is not allowed to take photos or videos of the Kumari, but is able to see her on the balcony of the palace.
24. The Kumari's life is heavily restricted, and she is not allowed to leave the palace or interact with the outside world.
25. As soon as the Kumari reaches puberty, she is expelled from the palace and must start a new life.
26. Former Kumaris often struggle to adapt to life outside the palace and may experience physical and emotional difficulties.
27. There is a legend that marrying a Kumari will bring bad luck, but this is likely a myth.
28. The narrator reflects on the complexities of the Kumari tradition and the challenges faced by these young girls.