Maghe Sankranti is a hidus festival observed on the first day of Magh (around mid-January). It is celebrated as the starting of the auspicious month of Magh by Nepali people. Through some sources, it’s found that hindu observe this festival as Makar festival where most people take fast and worship lord “Makar”-God Ayopa.
In comparison to the cold month of Poush, this festive month brings a harbinger of longer and relatively warmer days. Further, the sun is supposed to start moving towards the Northern Hemisphere on this day. In that sense, Maghe Sankranti is similar to solstice festivals in various religious traditions.
Hindus observe this festival taking ritual dip in holy river confluences, most notably in Devghat, Chitwan. During the day, Families get together and eat meals together as Sesame seed laddus, ghee, molasses, sweet potatoes, and yam. People worship Lord Vishnu during the month by reading the sacred Bhagwad Gita, also known as The Song of the Gods and offering pujas.
Being ready for ritual dip in holy river
The Tharu community also celebrate the first day of Magh as Maghi or New Year in the Terai. It is a week-long festival celebrated by getting together as a family and friends, dressing up in the traditional Tharu wear, attending community get together or mela, eating, drinking, and making merry.
Additionally, hindu people receives oils in their head, ears and body from the seniors after having a bath and take a Sun-bask. It’s believed to clear all the impurities within and develop the positive power of trust, hearing, bearing and thinking.
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