What makes the Maghe Sankranti festival in Nepal special?
Maghe Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is celebrated on the first day of Magh in the Bikram Sambat calendar (typically falls in mid-January). It’s the first day of the sun's transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar) and the end of the winter solstice.
This Nepali festival signifies the beginning of longer and warmer days. It is also a time of harvest and feasting as it marks the end of the paddy cultivation season. Maghe Sankranti is a deeply rooted festival that brings communities together and strengthens the cultural fabric of Nepal.
Importance of Maghe Sankranti in Nepalese Culture
Maghe Sankranti holds significant cultural, religious, and financial importance in Nepalese culture. It is one the major festivals in Nepal. Here are some key aspects:
- Harvest Festival:
In Nepal, agriculture is a significant part of the economy, and Maghe Sankranti is also a celebration of the harvest season. It is a time to give thanks for the bountiful crops and to pray for a prosperous year ahead. Farmers offer their first harvest of the season to the gods and goddesses, seeking their blessings for a good harvest in the coming year.
- Religious Significance:
The festival is associated with Hindu traditions and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees take ritual baths in sacred rivers and visit temples to offer prayers. The act of taking a holy dip during this time is believed to cleanse one's sins and bring spiritual purification.
- Family Bonding:
Maghe Sankranti is a time for family reunions and gatherings. Families come together to celebrate the festival, share traditional foods, and enjoy each other's company. It strengthens familial bonds and promotes a sense of unity and togetherness.
Legends behind Maghe Sankranti in Nepal
Many different legends revolve around the Maghe Sankranti festival. There are two particular legends that are popular in Nepal.
- The Never-ending Sesame
Once there was a merchant who lived in Bhaktapur (previously called Bhadgaon). At that time, Bhaktapur served as the primary source for the entire country's sesame supply. The business of sesame seeds flourished among traders and shopkeepers.
Intrigued by the seemingly endless stock of sesame seeds, the merchant decided to investigate the source and eventually began working in the storage facility.
While cleaning the stockpile of sesame, the merchant stumbled upon a statue of Lord Vishnu hidden beneath the seeds. This divine image became known as Til Madhav Narayan. From that day, the people started to worship Lord Vishnu on Maghe Sankranti. They believed they would receive blessings of abundance, prosperity, and joy from the god.
- The Legend of Bhishma Pitamah
Another legend is related to Bhishma Pitamah from the Mahabharata. It is said that Bhishma, a central character in the epic, had the power to control the timing of his death. He chose to lie on a bed of arrows, waiting for the auspicious time to pass away.
Bhishma Pitamah waited on a bed of arrows during the Uttarayana period, and it is believed that he finally chose to leave his mortal coil on the day of Maghe Sankranti. Devotees remember this legend and offer prayers to honor Bhishma Pitamah during this festival.
It is believed if someone dies on this day, that person will go to heaven and get salvation (moksha).
How is Maghe Sankranti celebrated in Nepal?
Maghe Sankranti is celebrated with diverse rituals and customs across various communities in Nepal. Here's a brief overview of how the festival is observed in different communities and the unique events associated with it:
1. Newar Community
In the Newar community, Maghe Sankranti is known as "Ghya Chaku Salhu." On this day, Newars prepare and eat special foods, particularly dishes made from clarified butter (ghya) and sesame seeds (til).
Families come together to make various sesame-based sweets, with "Til ko laddu" being a popular choice. These sweets are shared among family members and neighbors.
Elders put Mustard oil (Bhuteko Toriko Tel) on the heads of their family members as a blessing for prosperity and well-being.
Maghe Sankranti is also marked by community events and fairs in Newar neighborhoods. These events feature traditional dances, processions, and cultural programs, contributing to a festive atmosphere.
2. Tharu Community
The day of Maghe Sankranti is the New Year's Day of the Tharu community in Nepal. The Tharu people, who follow a lunar calendar distinct from the official Nepalese one, see this day as the beginning of the harvest season.
It marks a time when they complete their fieldwork and take a moment to celebrate their hard work. The festivities include singing and dancing to special cultural tunes, accompanied by enjoying unique treats like puffed rice balls, ghee, yams, chaku, etc.
These delicacies not only add joy but also help ward off the cold and bring warmth to families. Throughout the day, the Tharu community engages in various rituals and offerings to honor their ancestors and seek prosperity and good fortune in the upcoming year.
3. Magar Community
Maghe Sankranti, known as "Maghi" in the Magar community, is a festive time for the Magar people in Nepal. This celebration brings together a mix of religious customs, cultural expressions, and community bonding.
During Maghi, families gather for communal feasts, sharing traditional Magar dishes that not only satisfy the palate but also strengthen familial ties. Also, this community organizes a Magar cultural rally in Kathmandu.
The festival is marked by vibrant cultural dances and music, showcasing the rich heritage of the Magar community. Elders take this opportunity to pass down wisdom to the younger generation, emphasizing the importance of cultural traditions.
4. Bullfighting festival in Nuwakot
The bullfight festival in Nuwakot during Maghe Sankranti is a traditional event where bulls come together for friendly competition. It's a lively and spirited celebration that happens during this special time, adding cultural importance to the festivities. 
People gather to watch the bulls showcase their strength and agility, creating a festive atmosphere that reflects the community's traditions and values tied to the Maghe Sankranti festival in Nuwakot. The best-performing bull is awarded at the end of the program.
What are the main activities during Maghe Sankranti?
Maghe Sankranti is a significant festival in Nepal. People celebrate this festival with various traditions and activities. Let’s have a look.
- Holy Dip in Rivers
Nepalese people get involved in Maghe Sankranti festivities by bathing in rivers such as Bagmati, Devghat, Kaligandaki, Koshi, and Triveni. It is believed taking a bath in holy rivers cleanses their spirits for a new beginning.
- Poush ma pakya, Magh ma khyaka
The saying "Poush ma pakya, Magh ma khyaka" resonates with Maghe Sankranti in Nepa. It encapsulates 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.
- Traditional Food Preparation and Consumption
Nepalese prepare special foods including sesame seeds, molasses, yam, and various traditional sweets. Consuming these items is believed to bring warmth to the body during the winter season. Here are some foods that are prepared on that day.
|
Food Item |
Description |
|
Tilko Laddu |
Sweet balls made from sesame seeds, jaggery, and sometimes mixed with other nuts and spices. |
|
Ghiu Chaku |
A delectable blend of molasses and clarified butter (ghiu), often combined with sesame seeds. |
|
Yam (Tarul) |
Yam dishes, such as fried yam slices or yam curry, are popular during this festival. |
|
A steamed dumpling filled with jaggery and sesame seeds is cherished as a traditional festive delight. |
|
|
Kheer |
A luscious rice pudding concocted with milk, rice, and sugar, offering a sweet and creamy treat. |
|
Makai ko Roti |
Cornbread is a staple representing agricultural abundance and is commonly relished during the festival. |
|
Gundruk |
Fermented leafy greens, a traditional side dish infusing a unique flavor into festive meals. |
- Fairs and Cultural Events
Different communities organize local fairs and cultural events with cultural programs, music, dance, and traditional rituals. These events bring communities together for celebration. One major fair happens in Tudhikhel, Kathmandu.
- Charitable Acts and Donations
Maghe Sankranti is a time for generosity and compassion. Many people engage in acts of charity and donate to the needy. Since it's the time of harvest, people tend to donate food and clothes.
Best places to go during Maghe Sankranti in Nepal
During Maghe Sankranti in Nepal, several places offer unique cultural experiences and festive celebrations. Here are some recommended places to visit during this auspicious festival:
1. Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur are cultural hubs in the Kathmandu Valley. Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu witnesses a significant influx of devotees during Maghe Sankranti.
The nearby ancient city of Bhaktapur, with its well-preserved architecture, offers a glimpse into Newar culture and rituals. Swayambhunath Stupa and Changu Narayan Temple also host traditional festivities during this time.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) becomes a focal point for Maghe Sankranti celebrations. The Newar community's traditional rituals, dances, and cultural programs take place in this historical setting. 
2. Nuwakot
Nuwakot is renowned for its distinctive bullfighting festival during Maghe Sankranti. The event, held in the historic Nuwakot Durbar Square, showcases a traditional cultural spectacle where decorated bulls engage in controlled fights.
It provides a unique and authentic experience for those seeking cultural diversity. The festivities in Nuwakot provide an authentic experience, allowing visitors to witness age-old traditions and immerse themselves in the lively ambiance of this historic town.
The blend of cultural heritage and the scenic beauty of Nuwakot makes it a distinctive and memorable place to celebrate Maghe Sankranti in Nepal.
3. Terai Region
During Maghe Sankranti, the Terai region comes alive with unique celebrations. The Tharu community, in particular, observes the festival with a focus on agricultural rituals.
As an agrarian society, this festival holds significant importance in marking the culmination of winter crops and the commencement of the harvest season.
Apart from cultural celebrations, the Terai region is known for its biodiversity, and national parks like Chitwan and Bardia. This place offers opportunities to explore the unique flora and fauna.
4. Gosaikunda Lake
During Maghe Sankranti, trekking to Gosaikunda offers a unique and memorable experience. Trekkers may witness unique celebrations around Gosaikunda, as pilgrims and devotees make their way to the holy lake to take a ritual dip.
The trek to the lake takes you through diverse landscapes, ranging from lush rhododendron forests to rugged mountain terrain. The journey provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, making it a favorite among trekking enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The Maghe Sankranti festival in Nepal stands as a vibrant testament to the country's rich cultural tapestry. What 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 sesame-based 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.
The festival's significance is deeply intertwined with familial bonds, community togetherness, and a profound connection to nature.
As a symbol of transition, gratitude, and renewal, Maghe Sankranti exemplifies the cultural richness and resilience that make Nepal's festivals truly extraordinary.