Maghe Sankranti was observed across the country on Friday with much fanfare. The festival observed on the first day of Nepali month of Magh marks the end of winter when friends and families feast on ghee, chaku, yam, sel roti, sweet potato, sesame ladoos, among other, delicacies.

“Maghe Sakranti marks the beginning of spring season. It is the time to celebrate good health,” said renowned culturalist Satya Mohan Joshi.  

On this day, devotees throng the rivers close to their homes and take holy dip, also known as Makar snan. Doing so, it is believed, frees one from various diseases and brings positivity and purity.

Maghe Sakranti is similar to solstice festivals in other religious traditions. Maghe Sakranti is also known as Makar Sakranti, because it is believed that the sun enters the astrological sign of Makar from Dhanu on this day.

The Tharu community celebrate Maghe Sakranti as Maghi festival, their new year. The Tharus, who traditionally worked as bonded labourers, used to observe Maghi as the day when the indenture with their employers was renewed.

After the bonded labour system was outlawed, the Tharu community started observing the festival as the day of their emancipation.

The Tharu people in Kathmandu organised a fair in Tundikhel to celebrate Maghi. They showcased their cultural dances like Maghauta, Jhumara, Lathi, Hurdangwa and Mahutiya.

The Newar community in Kathmandu Valley call Maghe Sakranti “Ghyo-Chaku Sanun”, the day celebrated by eating ghee and chaku. On this day, married daughters are invited at their parental homes to celebrate the festival together.