Fifth Janku of Manmaya Maharjan celebrated at 105 years 5 months and 5 days

The fifth Janku ritual of Manamaya Maharjan of Lalitpur was organized in a grand manner. This was a rare occasion of a person to celebrate reaching 105 years, 5 months and 5 days according to the Newar traditions. The ritual is called Maha Divya Ratharohan. The first such ritual is performed at the age of 77 years, 7 months and 7 days. The second Janku (Chandra Ratharohan) at 83 years, 4 months, 4 days, third Janku (Deva Ratharohan) at 88 years, 8 months, 8 days and fourth Janku (Divya Ratharohan) at 99 years, 9 months, 9 days.

Manamaya was taken to take a round of her residence and neighborhood in a temple designed chariot carried by a number of people accompanied by traditional music and dances. This was likea full-fledged Jatra of a goddess. Honouring her, a function was also organized at Patan Durbar Square.

Earlier, Bajracharya priests carried out rituals at her residence chanting Matras and Tantrik postures. 

Parliamentarians Jagadish Kharel and Dr. Toshima Karki, Mayor of the Lalitpur Metropolitan City Chiribabu Maharjan, Deputy Mayor Majali Shakya Bajracharya, and thousands of others including her relatives, neighbours and well wishers participated the function.

Married at the age of five, she Manmaya gave birth to five sons and three daughters, of whom only her fifth son Dash Narayan Maharjan survives. Moreover, her present family of more than 145 members does not know any incident of taking her to the hospital even once until last year. She appears fresh and healthy at all time.

On the day of her fifth janku, she wore a traditional Newari bridal attire, her hair adorned with a single peacock feather. She was pampered with Alaw, the traditional manicure and pedicure.

On the occasion, she was giving Tika to visitors on their foreheads and blessing for peace and good health to all.

After the extensive ceremony is over, she was posing for photographs with her youngest great-great grandchild with charming smile and bright face.