Maghe Sankranti festival, also known as Makar Sankranti festival, marks the beginning of the auspicious month of Magh in Nepal. This festival honors the messenger of light, the sun, and marks the beginning of the spring season.
To fulfill their spiritual needs, people bathe in rivers like the Bagmati, Devghat, Dolalghat, Baraha Kshetra, Ridi (Kaligandaki River), Trivenighat, and others during this festival.
Families spend time together during this festival, soaking in the sun and pampering their bodies with food and oil massages – ensuring that they are well-fed and nourished during the winter months.
Maghe Sankranti is celebrated differently by different communities. For some, it marks the beginning of the New Year, while for others; it is the biggest festival of the year.
Religious importance of Maghe Sankranti festival:
It is stated in the Mahabharata that Bhisma Pitamaha, who held immense power and had control over his own death, died on this date. So, people who die on this day are considered to be liberated from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Ayurveda and medical science are also important aspects of Maghe Sankranti festival. The food items consumed on this day are balanced foods that strengthen the human immune system.
Weather during Maghe Sankranti while visiting Nepal:
This festival marks the end of the cold month of Poush (December) and the beginning of warmer days. On this day, the sun is supposed to start moving toward the northern hemisphere.
During Maghe Sankranti, the skies are exceptionally clear, providing warmth to the entire nation. This is a good month for walking and hiking because visibility is good, and rain is less likely than in other seasons.
Caste who celebrate Maghe Sankranti with importance:
- Hindu Community:
Hindu devotees take holy baths in Nepal’s auspicious rivers during the Maghe Sankranti festival. Also, they worship Lord Vishnu and perform pujas, as well as read the Hindu epic Bhagavad Gita.
Traditionally, families gather and eat meals together on this day. Brahmins and Chhetris celebrate the Maghe Sankranti festival in Nepal by inviting their married daughters and close relatives and offer them special meals.
- Newar Community:
Maghe Sankranti festival is known as ‘Ghyo Chaku Sanhu’ by the Newar community, and it consists of ghyo (ghee), chaku with samay baji, and remembering the deceased.
It is believed that taking a holy dip and eating vegetables, yam, sesame seed candy, and ghee on this day makes one healthier, and doing charity makes one happy. Similarly, Mild-hot edible oil is applied to the heads of juniors on this day.
- Tharu Community:
The Maghe Sankranti festival is one of the biggest festivals in the Tharu community, and it is also celebrated as New Year in Kailali, Kanchanpur, Banke, Bardiya, and Dang.
Also known as the Harvest festival of Tharus and Terai, Maghi is celebrated as a joyful time following the hard work of fieldwork.
During the festival, they perform cultural dances; wear the traditional Tharu clothes, and share food and drinks with family and friends.
- Buddhist:
Buddhism also considers Maghe Sankranti festival to be important in some way. The Shyakas and Bajracharyas participate in a donating event known as samyak dan on this auspicious day, which typically takes place at Na: pukhu of Bhaktapur.
- Kirat Community:
The Maghe Sankranti festival day is celebrated by the Kirat community as ‘Yele Dhung’, which means New Year in Kirat. This day celebrates the invasion of the Kathmandu valley by the Kirant king Yalambar.
Feasts during Maghe Sankranti:
Molasses, ghee, sweet potatoes, cassava, etc, are among the major delicacies prepared during Maghe Sankranti festival in Nepal. The feasts are organized differently by different communities based on their cultures and traditions.
It is believed that the consumption of these foods, i.e. Gheu Chakku, Tilko Laddoo, Spinich, and yam during the cold weather will help us become healthier and warmer.
Places where you can visit during Maghe Sankranti:
- You can visit Tundikhel in Kathmandu, where people organize various cultural events.
- You can visit rivers (such as the Triveni, Bagmati, Mahakali, etc.) that hold religious significance.
- You can participate in the bullfighting festival in Nuwakot, where tamed bulls compete against one another under the eyes of many spectators.
- Take part in some feasts on the streets of Kathmandu.
- Attend a local Tharu feast in Chitwan and take a holy dip in Devghat.
The festival of Maghe Sankranti is celebrated by wishing a healthy, prosperous future to everyone through various enchantments and religious recitations.
Get a taste of Nepal’s most exciting and frenetic festival by booking your trip with the Himalayan Circuit.
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