Maghe Sankranti, A Holy Festival of Nepal

Maghe Sankranti, a Hindu holy Nepalese festival celebrated on the first day of Magh (10^th month of Nepalese calendar) falls on the January English Month. The word Sankranti came from the Sanskrit which means the transmigration of one Rashi (Zordiac Sign) to another. Hindu devotees believe the day with the end of cold days and coming of warm days which breezes the prosperity and good health. On this day Hindu devotees take a holy bath in holy rivers of Nepal and it is said that bathing in Triveni (the place where three rivers meet) will be good culturally. After taking bath, the devotees pray and pay homage to the deities like, Rato Machendranath and Agnimata. The day is also important because on this day people celebrate the festival with the happiness with the foods like Til Laddoos (sesame cakes), Chaku (sweet molasses), Ghee (clarified butter), sweet potatoes, khichadi (mixture of rice and lentils), green leaf spinach and Sel Roti and the day is called as Ghyu Chaku day.

Observant (mainly Hindus) are supposed to cleanse themselves on this very day. The first bathe of the day starts as a ritual bathe at scheduled river locations around the country.

1. Sankhamul at the Bagmati, Lalitpur
2. Gandaki/Narayani river basin at Triveni, near the Indian border
3. Devghat near Chitwan
4. Ridi on the Kali Gandaki
5. Koshi River basin at Dolalghat, on the Sun Koshi
   
   

Maghi Festival – New Year of Tharu Community

Tharu Cultural Dance during Maghi Festival

The Maghi festival is celebrated as the New Year’s Day by the Tharu Community, the indeginious group of the Terai region. Maghe Sankranti is celebrated as Maghi the New Year by the Tharu Community in the Terai region of Nepal. It is celebrated for the week till the 3rd day of Magh. It is marked as the new beginning of all things, they make plans for the whole year during this festival. During the festival the Tharu people select a new Judge called a Bhalmansa, a new priest called a Guruwa, and a new Guard called a Chiragi. This tradition is called Khojini and Bojhini in their local language. Moreover, every member of the community is given their responsibilities for the whole year as well.
The Tharu people are seen wearing their best clothes and jeweleries during this festival. It is also celebrated by dancing and singing away the sorrows of last year and hoping for a happy new year.

Tharu Woman participating in Maghi Festival

Bull Fight in Taruka, Nuwakot, Nepal

Besides the hustle and bustle of biggest festival of the Tharu community in Terai region of Nepal, the hill district of Nuwakot celebrates this festival in a completely different way. The people of Taruka Village in Nuwakot district finish their prayers to sun God and feasting on ghee and chaku early to witness a bull fight. A huge crowd gathers in one of the open fields of the village, the excitement and anticipation grows until the bulls are brought in. Several pairs of bulls are brought in to entertain the crowds. The fight goes on until the bulls get tired and gives up. People cheer for their favorite bull, however, there is no prize waiting for the winner.

Overall, Maghe sankranti is a festival enjoyed by all in Nepal. It is celebrated to ward off the cold and rejuvenating after a cold winter by enjoying a filling and warming meals of ghee and chaku

  Bull Fight in Taruka, Nuwakot, Nepal

 

Bullfighting in Taruka, Nuwakot, Nepal on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti

People witnessing bullfight in Taruka, Nuwakot, Nepal

Some Pictures of Maghe Sankranti

Chaku (molten molasses) on sale on market

Chaku (sweet prepared from boiled and hardened molasses)

Happy Makar Sankranti, Share your happiness to your family members and friends

Hindu Female Devotees performing holy bath and paying homage to the deities

Observant taking holy bath at the Narayani Rier

Sel Roti, a Nepalese delicay eaten during auspicious occassions

Set of delicacies eaten during Maghe Sankranti

Yam and Sesame Candy

Blog Festivals of Nepal Food and Festivals Maghe Sankranti 9:00 AM