Kathmandu, Jan. 27 -- Today, it is normal for male priests to officiate at Hindu worship in Nepal, but there was a time when it was considered more auspicious for women to conduct such rituals.

While the tradition of female priesthood is waning, there is still a remnant of this tradition in Kathmandu's Hanuman Dhoka with the Mangalini tradition of priestesses.

The Mangalini sing auspicious songs during important rituals, and used to be employed by Nepal's royals to sing at daily prayers, birthdays, weddings, thread ceremonies and marriages. After the abolition of the monarchy, Mangalini priestesses are on the payroll of Hanuman Dhoka Museum as guards.

The songs are now half-forgotten, although some in praise of the goddess Durga are...