PREVIEW

The Living Goddess Kumari is seated near the entrance of the Taleju Temple as a silver kalash representing Changunarayan, accompanied by kalashes symbolizing the Hindu goddesses Lakshmi and Saraswati, arrives at Taleju in Hanumandhoka, Kathmandu, Nepal, on August 25, 2026, three days ahead of Kwati Punhi. The centuries-old ritual is associated with the traditional message to begin soaking the nine types of beans used to prepare kwati, a traditional soup eaten on Kwati Punhi. During the Kalash Yatra, locals traditionally smash earthen pots as the deity passes, a practice believed to prevent the deity from turning back to Changunarayan. The kalash is welcomed and worshipped by Taleju priests before being taken inside the temple for further rituals.