One of the #best things i have done in my 28 (almost) years of life span. It was a surprise event in the morning, i wasn't aware i will get an opportunity to dress a girl child ( #miracleorphans ) as goddess along with the whole group. Her name is Pooja, she was shy all throughout while i washed her feet, applied #colours on feet, nail polish on toes and fingers, make up on face, #design on the #lforehead, a goddess #crown and a garland. The 8th day of Navratri is known as 'Ashtami' and on this day young girls below 12 known as 'Kumari' (basically those who haven't attained puberty yet) are felicitated and decorated as #goddess #Durga. This concept of celebrating and felicitating the girl #child was mainly propagated by #swamivivekananda in the early 20th century. He wanted society to acknowledge women and girl child as equals. Traditionally the brahmins who worship Kumaris are supposed to fast the previous day (only water allowed) and get up at 4 am the next morning to do the ritual. The kumari goddess is then supposed to sit in the #Pandal and durga disciples actually pray to the girl (dressed as Durga), instead of the idol itself. Again, amazing way to celebrate #humans and #women #India #festival #genderequality #travel #traveller #development #education