Photographer: Prakash Chandra Timilsena

Maghi celebration in pictures Maghe or Makar Sankranti is being observed throughout the country on Tuesday. On the day, people of Hindu communities take holy dips into rivers and ponds, worship at various temples and relish delicacies like ghee, yam, Khichadi and sweets like Chaku and sweets made of sesame and molasses.

Maghe Sankranti is regarded as the coldest day of the year and marks the start of warmer season. On this day, the sun is believed to leave its southernmost position and begin its northward journey. Maghe Sankranti is similar to solstice festivals in other religious traditions.

The festival is also considered a good day to bathe in sacred rivers and lakes to offer thanks to the sun and wash away sins. Observant Hindus take ritual baths during this festival, notably at auspicious river locations including Bagmati, Gandaki, Narayani, Devghat, Ridi, Koshi and Dolalghat.

People from Tharu community thronged at Chabhil, Kathmandu, on Tuesday to mark their annual festival Maghi. Marked as the beginning of New Year, Maghi is the biggest festival of Tharu community. The festival is observed with social festivities such as colorful decorations, rural children going house to house, singing and asking for treats, dances, kite flying, bonfires and feasts

Along with Tharu, Magar, Newar, Chhetri, and Chhantyal communities also celebrate the festival with gaiety.