Editorial photo #13592783 Religion and Belief

Man Maya Maharjan Of Lalitpur Marks 5th Janku Ritual At Age 105, Nepal

A woman adorned in traditional Newari dress dances during the 5th Janku (Maha Divya Ratharohan) ritual of Man Maya Maharjan, 105, in Lalitpur, Nepal, on April 18, 2026. She is carried by her family and relatives in a traditional palanquin. The Janku is a Newar life-cycle ceremony marking advanced age milestones, performed through religious rites with family and community gatherings. Man Maya Maharjan reaches the age of 105 years, 5 months, and 5 days during the ceremony. Following the rituals, she is carried in a palanquin through community streets by family members and relatives, greeting locals and neighbors. She also dances during the procession as part of the celebrations. Locals note this as the first known instance of a 5th Janku being observed for an individual in the area, highlighting the ceremony's significance within local tradition. The ceremony includes customary worship and participation of family and community members, recognizing longevity and respect for elders in Newar cultural practice. Following the 5th Janku, individuals are traditionally regarded within the community as having attained a status comparable to a living deity, reflecting cultural beliefs associated with longevity in Newar society. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto)