Maghe Sankranti

 

The first day of Nepali month “Magh” is known as maghe sankranti. It is one the major festivals among Hindu community as well as some other ethnic groups like Tharu, Magar, Newar etc which is celebrated annually in mid- January(magh) . Maghe Sankranti festival is also known as makar sankranti because it is believed that since this day sun into Capricorn sign that is called makar in Nepali zodiac name. Since maghe sankranti winter gets warmer as the beginning of spring and in hilly region winds occur strongly specially in evening. Married daughters, son –in law and other relatives are invited to celebrate the festival.

 

The most important dish that is supposed to have on this particular day is Ghee and chaku(dish made with Jaggery, ghee and different nuts. Beside ghee and chaku other specialty such as yam, sweet potatoes, sweets/laddu made up with sesame seeds, meat, etc are eaten in this day. There is a Nepali quote called “Poush ma pakya magh ma khanya’’ which means cooked in poush and is eaten in magh. Yam and sweet potatoes are cooked at the last day of Nepali month poush and that is eaten at the first day of magh. Khichdi/khitro is another dish that is made with rice and lentils and every dish that is eaten in maghe sankranti carries health benefits as well.

pic credit: Prabin Adhikari

Makar mela of Panauti of kavrepalanchok is another major talked topic in magh month. Makar mela happen once in twelve years gap which is observed for one month. People take bath in panauti mela believing their sins to be washed away by the holy water in triveni ghat. Makar mela occur once in every 12 year which itself is long interval of time and many Hindu devotees wait for this festive mela either to enjoy the event or to visit for performing puja and bath at the river. People bath in panauti as it is said that the holy water could various types of diseases. 

 

Tharu community celebrates this festival in the same day with different name ‘’Maghi’’ which is also their celebration as a new year. They organize various cultural events and perform dances in their respective cultural attire. Terai region of Nepal is the most common region of Tharu community which is near to Indian and border, terai is the greenery of Nepal and the people of that region are more involved in agricultural work and festivals are one of the most important event and also a good motive to enjoy themselves with their family. Whereas, in magar communities married daughters are invited and perform puja in her birth home with parents and have yam, selroti, sweet potatoes and so on.

 

To conclude, Nepal is rich in culture and festivals in which maghe sankranti is one of them which has both cultural and historical importance. Festival is one of the great sources of happiness, enjoyment and a feeling of emotional connection between family members and relatives. People invite married daughter son –in law, and other relatives which gives them the feeling of being remembered and loved. Though the ritual of each festival celebrated by any particular ethnic group of people may differ from each other, motive and emotion might be same as everyone celebrates festivals to enjoy and create beautiful memories among them. HAPPY MAGHE SANKRANTI TO ALL.