Introduction: Maghe Sankranti celebrated on the first day of the month of Magh in the Vikram Sambat (B.S.) Calendar, usually falls in mid-January. A major festival in Nepal that marks the end of Winter and the beginning of the Spring. The festival has many different Names and rituals across the Nepal’s various communities and races. The date of Maghe Sankranti will differ each year as it follows the Lunar. So, it can also happen to fall on January 13 or 16.
Description of Maghe and Makar Sankranti:
In Eastern Astrology the term “Sankranti” refers to the Sun’s transition from one Rashi (a Zodiac Sign) to another. Sankranti simply means the first day of the Nepali Calendar, which implies that there are 12 such Sankranti in a Nepali Calendar year. On, the other hand it is based on a profound comprehension of both the geometry of the universe and the geometry of the human Being. It is celebrated both as a solar event and in accordance with the traditional calendar, which is based on the movements of the moon. Different Ethnics group each celebrate it on their own unique way which highlights the aspects of Nepalese Culture such as, the close links that exist between families.
Maghe Sankranti is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in Nepal, particularly among the Hindu community which celebrated on the 1st day of Magh month in the Nepali calendar. It is celebrated in various ways such as belows:
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Taking a holy dip in rivers and other bodies of water believing it washes away sins and purifies the soul.
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Making special foods on the Occasions of it such as ladoo, chaku, and ghee distributing among friends and relatives.
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Visiting temples and performing offering & rituals to appease the gods and goddess.
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Flying kites on the rooftop as Maghe Sankranti marks the beginning of the warmer weather.
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Lighting the bonfire and dancing around it to celebrate the end of winter.
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Farmers celebrate this day by expressing gratitude to their land and the tools they use as, it marks the beginning of the harvesting season.
Why Maghe Sankranti is Celebrated:
Maghe Sankranti mainly lies in the establishing of bonds between members of a family and the community. During this occasion the sun god, Lord Vishnu and goddess Laxmi are worshipped. It is one of the most important Nepali festival. In Nepal, the beginning of the holy month of Magh is a cheerful occasion that is celebrated on this day. In contrast to the cold month of poush, the festival is seen as the start of the warmer days to come (December).
On this day, the hindu followers take bath in the holy rivers early in the morning during the sunrise and worship the sun and pray the Warmth, good health and better future of the family member. It is also believed that the sun god accepts the prayers and solves the problems of his devotees because the festivals marks the beginning of the month of Magh, which is considered an auspicious month for performing religious activities. Whereas, festival marks the end of the month of poush, considered to be inauspicious for religious activities. According to the customs of the Hindu religion, the significance of Maghe Sankranti is mentioned in the literature of some religious holy books. According to the most important part of the Mahabharat, Bhisma Pitamaha, who had enormous power and was also blessed with the ability to choose when he would pass away, made the decision to do so on this particular day, It is for this reason that it is thought that individuals who pass away on this day will, achieve Moksha or freedom from the endless cycle of birth and reincarnation.
Delicacies during Maghe Sankranti:
On the occasion of Maghe Sankranti many, special delicacies are prepared and consumed in Nepal. Some of the most special delicacies as below.
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Laddu: A round sweet made from ghee, sugar, and flour considered as a traditional delicacy of Maghe Sankranti.
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Chaku (Molasses): A traditional sweets made of sesame seeds and jaggery.
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Til ko laddu: Special delicacy made from jaggery and sesame seed specially made for Maghe Sankranti.
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Ghee: A clarified butter used in Nepali dishes, including the sweets and delicacies made for Maghe Sankranti.
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Yomari: Traditional steamed dumpling made from rice flour and filled with chaku and brown sugar specially eaten by Newar community during Maghe Sankranti.
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Sel roti: A traditional Nepalese sweet bread made from rice flour which is fried.
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Yam, Cassava, Sweet Potato: Tuberous root vegetables are pre-cooked a day before Maghe Sankranti and eaten on the day of it to prevent the cold weather.
As, the saying goes “Poush ma pakya, Magh ma Khyaka” resonating with Maghe Sankranti in Nepali each encapsulated the agricultural essence signifying the harvesting of crops in poush and their consumption in Magh. This tradition reflects the integral link between nature, food, and Nepali celebrations.
Conclusion:
The Maghe Sankranti festival in Nepal stands as a Vibrant testament to the country’s rich cultural tapestry which makes this festival special goes beyond its religious roots, extending to the diverse and unique traditions observed by different communities. Whether it’s the Newars with their sesamebased delicacies, the Tharu community’s agricultural celebrations, or the Magar community’s blend of cultural dances and communal feasts, Maghe Sankranti unites the people of Nepal in a joyous celebration of tradition, harvest, and hope. In short, Makar Sankranti is a festival that has been celebrated for centuries in the Hindu tradition, and its origins are likely rooted in ancient religious and agricultural practices.
