Maghe Sankranti, one of the main festivals of the Nepali Hindus, is observed throughout the country today according to age-old tradition.
It is customary to take holy dips at river confluence, perform worship at various shrines and take yam and ‘Chaku’ as special food items on this occasion. Chaku is a sweet prepared from boiled and hardened molasses.
Hindus also observe this day as ‘Makar Sankranti’ as it marks the sun’s journey northwards.
The belief goes that eating such items as ghee and Chaku, sesame seed candy, vegetables and yam and giving them away in charity on this day after taking a holy dip helps one become healthier and attain salvation.
Devotees take holy dips at Devghat, Dolalghat, Baraha Kshetra, Ridi, Triveni and other rivers across the country.
Big religious fairs are held today especially at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Trishuli rivers at Devghat in Tanahu. The Kankai river in Jhapa is also a famous pilgrimage site. Devotees from various parts of the country throng Devghat and Kankai on the occasion of the Maghe Sankranti.
Gangasagar in India also attracts devotees in large numbers from Nepal on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti.
On the occasion, a fair is organised and the Dipankar Buddha worshipped at the Tilmadhav Narayan Temple in Taumadhitole of Bhaktapur.Likewise, people from the Tharu community observe this festival as the Maghi Festival with great enthusiasm and celebrations. A special delicacy called Khichadi or Maghi prepared by cooking a mixture of black lentil and rice is served on the occasion.
It is customary to take holy dips at river confluence, perform worship at various shrines and take yam and ‘Chaku’ as special food items on this occasion. Chaku is a sweet prepared from boiled and hardened molasses.
Hindus also observe this day as ‘Makar Sankranti’ as it marks the sun’s journey northwards.
The belief goes that eating such items as ghee and Chaku, sesame seed candy, vegetables and yam and giving them away in charity on this day after taking a holy dip helps one become healthier and attain salvation.
Devotees take holy dips at Devghat, Dolalghat, Baraha Kshetra, Ridi, Triveni and other rivers across the country.
Big religious fairs are held today especially at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Trishuli rivers at Devghat in Tanahu. The Kankai river in Jhapa is also a famous pilgrimage site. Devotees from various parts of the country throng Devghat and Kankai on the occasion of the Maghe Sankranti.
Gangasagar in India also attracts devotees in large numbers from Nepal on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti.
On the occasion, a fair is organised and the Dipankar Buddha worshipped at the Tilmadhav Narayan Temple in Taumadhitole of Bhaktapur.Likewise, people from the Tharu community observe this festival as the Maghi Festival with great enthusiasm and celebrations. A special delicacy called Khichadi or Maghi prepared by cooking a mixture of black lentil and rice is served on the occasion.
Source: The Rising Nepal, 14 January 2009
