KATHMANDU, July 19: Janku is a term applied to a particular Newari tradition in which a cultural ceremony is performed when Newari people reach certain ages.

If they are lucky enough to be alive until the age of 106, their ‘Janku’ is performed six times throughout their life. Their first Janku is celebrated when they are weaned on solid foods. Their remaining Jankus are celebrated when they are approximately 77, 82, 88,99 and 105 old.

Their second ‘Janku’ is performed when they are 77 years, 7 months and 7 days old. Their third Janku is performed when they are 82 years, 4 months and 4 days old, their fourth Janku when they are 88 years, 8 months and 8 days old, their fifth Janku when they are 99 years, 9 months and 9 days and their sixth Janku when they are 105 years, 8 months and 8 days old.

After their last Janku is performed, elderly people in Newari community are considered as a symbol of divinity.

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• Newar
 
• Janku
 
• age
 
• celebration