Editorial photo #13592791 Religion and Belief

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

Man Maya Maharjan, 105, participates in her 5th Janku (Maha Divya Ratharohan) ritual in Lalitpur, Nepal, on April 18, 2026. The Janku is a Newar life-cycle ceremony marking advanced age milestones, performed through religious rites with family and community gatherings. Following the rituals, she is carried in a traditional palanquin and greets locals and neighbors. This is noted 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 event includes customary worship and participation of family and community members, recognizing longevity and social respect for elders in Newar cultural practice. After the 5th Janku, individuals are traditionally regarded 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)