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Maghe Sankranti: A Celebratory Festival in Nepal
Maghe Sankranti is a significant festival celebrated by Hindus across Nepal, marking the first day of the Magh month according to the Bikram Sambat (Nepali calendar). This festival typically falls in mid-January, corresponding to the Gregorian calendar, with January 14, 2025, being the celebration date for this year. Also known as Makar Sankranti, Maghi, or Uttarayana, the festival holds a deep cultural and religious significance, resembling solstice celebrations in other global traditions.
The Celebration of Maghe Sankranti Across Nepal
Maghe Sankranti is a major festival for Hindu communities in Nepal, but it is especially important for the Tharu, Newar, and Magar ethnic groups. For the Tharu people, this day marks the beginning of their New Year. Known as Maghi, they celebrate for an entire week, from the last days of Poush to the 3rd of Magh. During this period, they enjoy a special festival meal called “Dhikri”, along with meats such as pig, chicken, boar, duck, and a variety of beverages.
For the Newar community, Maghe Sankranti is known as “Ghya Chaku Sahlu”, a day when people massage their heads and bodies with sesame oil as a traditional practice. This ritual is believed to promote good health and vitality. Similarly, the Magar people also observe Maghe Sankranti as one of their key festivals, and the government of Nepal has officially recognized it as an annual celebration for the Magar community.
In addition to these communities, the Kirant community also celebrates the festival as Yele Chung, their New Year.
Rituals, Traditions, and Celebratory Practices
On Maghe Sankranti, Hindu devotees across Nepal perform ritual baths in holy river confluences, including at sacred spots such as Sankhamul in Bagmati, Gandaki/Narayani at Triveni, and Devghat in Chitwan. These sacred locations attract large crowds where people participate in traditional fairs, enjoying dancing, singing, and donning traditional attire.
The festival is also marked by the preparation of special foods. In every household, people prepare delicious festival treats such as Til Ko Laddu (sesame seed fudge), Chakku (molasses), and Ghee (clarified butter). They also prepare a variety of other foods, including Tilauri (sesame fried snacks), spinach, tarul (yam), and sweet potatoes. These traditional dishes are not only tasty but are also believed to provide warmth and good health during the colder months.
Moreover, it is common for family members to gather, with mothers blessing their loved ones for good health and prosperity. The combination of festive foods and rituals ensures a sense of community, well-being, and spiritual renewal.
Cultural Significance and Benefits
Maghe Sankranti marks the beginning of the holy season, signifying the triumph of light over darkness, warmth over cold, and positivity over negativity. The festival offers an opportunity for people to reconnect with their cultural heritage, family, and community. In addition to the traditional foods, the rituals—such as bathing in sacred rivers and massaging with sesame oil—are believed to keep the body warm, healthy, and energized, especially in the winter season.
If you’re interested in experiencing more of Nepal’s vibrant festivals, check out a range of exciting Festival Tours in Nepal.
