Kumari - Literally 'virgin'; a young girl who is regarded as the incarnation of the Hindu goddess Taleju; remains only in her divine state until she has lost the first drop of blood; either by a wound or her first menstruation; at any given time there are several Kumaris in the cities of the Kathmandu Valley. The Kumari is chosen from the Shakya caste of the Nepalese Newari community. Pictures From Asia Chaweewan Chuchuay