Mention of Goddess anywhere in modern media always catches my eye, so when I saw this headline: Nepali "living goddess" fired after U.S. visit, I had to check it out. Sajani Shakya of Nepal was granted the status of Kumari, or living goddess at the age of two. What exactly are the duties of a child goddess? These wee dieties abide in temples blessing devotees until they reach puberty. Then they are able to rejoin their family and lead a normal life. But temple life can be restricting, especiallly for a 10 year-old girl. So she embarked on a trip to the United States. To go to Disneyland? No. To visit Paris Hilton? No. Sajani departed with the best of intentions - to promote a British-made documentary exploring Nepal's traditions and contemporary political turmoil.
Apparently the Kumari management administration didn't care for Sajani's motive. "It is wrong and against the tradition for her to go on a foreign tour without any permission," said the chief of a trust that manages the affairs of Bhaktapur's Kumari tradition. "This is impure in our tradition. We will search for a new Kumari and install her as the living goddess." Hmmm. I wonder if it's against the tradition to accept increased donations?
In other news, as I was watching a replay of a Wimbledon match a plump pigeon interrupted play. The heavy pigeon, swatted about the arena in an attempt to exit the stadium. Apparently the eats at Wimbledeon are pretty good for the pudgy bird oafishly fluttered about for quite a bit. While the proper Brits hemmed and coughed in amusement the commentators seemed perturbed. Where's the hawk? Mary Carrillo asked Luke Jensen. I've heard of Hawk-eye but just a hawk? Apparently Wimbledon employs the services of an, er, professional hawk. Known as the All England Club's Hawk, this raptor is released upon the hallowed tennis grounds every morning to frighten off plump pigeons and other unfortunate avians. Woe to the pigeons.
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