Maghe Sankranti, a colorful celebration, brings in springtime in Nepal as the fresh winter air gives way to the promise of warmth and sunshine. Travelers and culture enthusiasts, it’s more than just a day on the calendar it’s a colorful tapestry created with the strands of custom, rebirth, and communal spirit.
The first day of the Nepali month of Magh, known as Maghe Sankranti, signifies the passage from the resentful grip of winter to the growing hope of spring. It honors the sun’s progress northward, which signifies longer days and bountiful harvests. However, Maghe Sankranti is a time for reflection, letting go of the past, and welcoming the present with open arms. It is not only about astronomical changes.
The history of Maghe Sankranti is centuries old and deeply connected with Nepalese and Hindu customs. It is mentioned in ancient texts such as the Mahabharata as a time for ritual bathing and offering prayers to Surya, the sun god. With time, it has developed into a diverse celebration that is enjoyed by communities all over Nepal, each of which contributes to its special traditions and flavors.
Maghe Sankranti is a colorful festival with a wide range of traditions and customs.
People start the day with a sacred bath in rivers like the Bagmati and Seti Gandaki. This act is considered spiritually cleansing and marks the beginning of the new year.
The taste of special dishes like sweet potato curry, ghee (clarified butter), and yam fills the air, all of which indicate happiness and abundance in the coming year. Families get together to enjoy these varied flavors.
As night falls, bonfires light up the surroundings, providing warmth and keeping away evil spirits. Children joyfully dance around the flames, spreading laughter and cheer.
Maghe Sankranti is also a time for fresh starts. People engage in traditional games like deusi and naumadal, exchanging blessings and gifts to invite good luck and fortune in the year ahead.
