Maghe Sakranti

Maghe Sankranti is a Nepalese festival. This festival is remarked on the first of Magh in the Bikram Sambat which brings an end of the ill-omened month of Poush in Nepalese calendar. This is supposed to be the coldest day of the year and also the day from which weather will start to get warmer. In general Makar Sankranti falls on 14 January according to the English calendar. Maghe Sankranti remarks as the end of inauspicious phase of time which brings around mid-December. There is a belief that any auspicious and sacred ritual can be carried out starting from the day of Maghe Sankranti. Maghe Sankranti is also known as beginning of the new holy season with the end of winter and beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights. Maghe Sankranti is the festival of sun god. Sun God is the symbol of power, divinity and wisdom. Sun god is worshipped in this festival.

This is a major harvest festival celebrated in Madhesh and Tharuhat of Nepal. The movement of sun from one zodiac sign into another s called Sankranti and as the sun moves into the capricon zodiacal sign known as Makara, this occasion is named as Makara Sankranti. It is the biggest festival of Tharu community people. They also called it Maghi Parva. They have grand celebration of Maghi by gathering all together family members in one place and have a big fest for this festival. Delicious treats and sweets are prepared specially for this occasion with wishes of health and strength. Hindus go to rivers to purify their body with the ritual bath so that they are mentally and physical pure to welcome the upcoming religious festivals and events of the year.

Do:

Ø  Visit the auspicious rivers of Bagmati, Narayani and Devghat etc. to see the ritual baths of Hindus.

Ø  Taste the Nepali treats of Till/sesame Laddos, sweet potatoes, yams etc., specific to this festival.