KATHMANDU: A rare fifth-stage Mahadivya Ratharohan ceremony has been organized for Manmaya Maharjan of Ward No. 17, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Hakutol.

The event, organized by the Jyapu Society Yala, saw participation from 40 locality members of the Society. The program featured cultural processions and a ceremonial city tour. After the procession, Maharjan was ceremonially seated and honored at the historic Kathi Dabu in Mangalbazaar, located in Patan Durbar Square, where a civic felicitation was held.

In the Newar community, the Janku ritual which is connected to the human life cycle holds deep cultural significance. According to tradition, different stages of Janku are marked by age milestones. The first, Bhim Ratharohan, at 77 years, 7 months, and 7 days, second, Chandra Ratharohan, at 83 years, 4 months, and 4 days, third, Dev Ratharohan, at 88 years, 8 months, and 8 days, and the fourth, Divya Ratharohan, at 99 years, 9 months, and 9 days

After completing all these stages, the fifth and final Janku, known as Mahadivya Ratharohan, is performed at the age of 105 years, 8 months, and 8 days. This ceremony is considered extremely rare. Following its completion, the elderly individual is revered with respect akin to that given to deities.

This tradition reflects the Newar community’s reverence for longevity, while promoting cultural continuity and social unity.

Here are some photos from the Newa culture celebrations: