Editorial photo #13592797 Religion and Belief

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

Man Maya Maharjan, 105, of Lalitpur, Nepal, dances to traditional music as she marks her 5th Janku (Maha Divya Ratharohan) ritual on April 18, 2026, reaching the age of 105 years, 5 months, and 5 days. The Janku is a Newar life-cycle ceremony that marks advanced age milestones and is performed through religious rites along with gatherings of family and community members. Following the rituals, she is carried in a traditional palanquin and greets locals and neighbors in her community in Lalitpur. She is also seen dancing during the procession as part of the event. Locals say this is the first known instance of a 5th Janku being observed for an individual in the area. The ceremony includes customary worship and participation of family members and community members as part of the Newar cultural practice recognizing longevity and social respect for elders. 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)