In Nepal, the relationship between religion, tradition and social vulnerability helps explain why certain practices continue to arouse shock, controversy and international denunciation. Among these, the veneration of girls as kumaris — seen in some contexts as "living goddesses" — and historical practices of offering children to temples stand out.
The practice of offering children to temples, known as "Bade Dashain", involves the handing over of girls to Hindu sanctuaries, often by families in situations of extreme poverty. These children become the responsibility of the temples, but in many cases face precarious living conditions, forced labor and abuse.
The article points out that there is a thin line between what is considered religious tradition and what constitutes exploitation and trafficking of human beings. Human rights organizations have warned about this situation, denouncing that ancient practices are sometimes used to justify situations of abuse.
The situation of kumaris and children offered to temples reflects a broader problem of social
