The Magars and Ching

Unicef Nepal hired Ching as consultant for early childhood education and care. The photo was taken by Jan Salter, near Gorkha. The ladies are from the Magar tribe, one of the earliest groups where the world-renowned Gurkha soldiers were recruited from. Magar girls have a special status among other tribes: they are considered auspicious for every occasion and therefore need to be treated and fed at every puja. They are considered avatars of Vaishnu Devi of Jammu, who is believed to appear to devotees always in the form of a little girl. Ching, if you still have a copy of your 1993 Unicef report, I'm sure others would love to share your findings!