Nepal villagers flock to worship malformed baby as Hindu god

Villagers in the district of Ramechhap have said six-month-old Risab, who has a headless "parasitic twin" attached at the abdomen, is akin to the elephant god, Ganesh, whose various forms have between two and 16 arms.

"Some say he is like a god and they come to worship him and give money," his 32-year-old father, Rikhi Ghimire, said. "They just give a few rupees, make an offering. Mostly the gifts are food and clothes. Others have said he looks like a monkey or is the child of a witch."

About 5,000 people have visited the baby since he was born, according to local teacher Prem KC. He says some have walked or taken long bus journeys from faraway districts. A local Hindu priest has blamed the late and erratic monsoon rains on the baby.

"Some say it is a miracle or that it is God, and others say it is a curse. There is a lack of awareness so villagers cannot understand it," Ghimire said.