People belonging to Magar, Newar, Chhetri, Tharu and Chhantyal communities are celebrating Maghi festival on Friday. Also called Maghe Sankranti, the festival falls in the month of Magh as per the Bikram Sambat Nepali calendar and is observed across the country.

Magar and Tharu groups organised various programmes and festivals showcasing their culture and dance in Kathmandu including various parts of the country.

The festival also features special dances of Tharu community like Maghauta, Jhumara, Lathi, Hurdangwa, Mahutiya, along with food festival and cultural shows to welcome their new year.

Magars celebrate the auspicious day by inviting married daughters and their families for festivities and are even worshiped. Foods with heat-generating properties such as yam, sel roti, sweet potato, sesame laddoos among other delicacies are eaten on this day.

Similarly, Newars celebrate Maghe Sankranti as “Ghyo-Chaku Sanun.”

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.

On the day, Hindus like Brahmin and Chhetris also worship various shrines and temples and eat special foods including chaku, khichadi (mixture of rice and lentils) and yam.

Hindus also take ritual baths during this festival, notably at auspicious river locations.

Usually, married daughters are invited at parental home so that all family members could get an opportunity to observe the festival together.

The government has declared a public holiday on the occasion.

Photos by Laxmi Pd Ngakhusi