Kathmandu, Dec. 15 -- Traditionally, the average lifespan of a Nepali used to be 40-45. Child mortality rate was high, and very few people lived to a ripe old age.

Which meant that living long was a cause for celebration in the family, clan and community. People in Kathmandu Valley'sNewa community celebrate 'Janko' or 'Buda Pasni' at milestones of 77, 82, 88, 99 and 105 years.

Look at it like a birthday, but is performed every decade or so after a person crosses 77.In case of couples, theJanko is performed according to the husband's age. For a single person, thedate of birth and birth charts are consulted.

The firstJankuknown as BhimRatharohan is performed when a person is 77 years, 7 months and 7 days old. The grandchildren pull the c...