Nepal as the land of unique festivals

Maghe Sankranti
Maghe Sankranti is one of the important Nepalese festival observed on 1st Magh, January according to Gregorian calendar. The festival is celebrated by the Hindus and Buddhists. It is also recognized as ‘Makar Sankranti’ in India. The word Sankranti is derived from the Sanskrit which defines as the transmigration of one Rashi (Zodiac Sign) to another. According to the astrology, on this day the sun is believed to leave its southern position journey making a start to northward towards the Tropic of Cancer. This festival indicates the end of Poush along with the heart-wrenching winter and welcoming the warm weather to breeze prosperity and good health.
Is it related to the Hindu myth?
Once, a Merchant in Bhaktapur (Bhadgaun) found the idol of Lord Vishnu beneath the seeds, while searching for the clue of never running down of his stock. Since then, the idol is worshipped as TilMadhav Idol. It is believed to bring the supply of food, prosperity and wealth to Bhaktapur.
On this day King Bhisma (Bhismapitamaha) closes his eyes lying on the bed of arrows discovering the words of wisdom of life and death in the famous battle of Mahabharat. He was the grandfather of two families Kauravas and Pandas, and the son of Ganga.
It is believed that if a person dies on the day of MagheSankranti, deceased will achieve heaven; soul will procure peace and blessed by rebirth.
How is the festival celebrated?💕💕
The day is started with morning holy bath in the rivers. It is the ritual of removing ills and evils from own body and mind. You will see the devotees taking a holy bath in a freezing temperature without hesitation at the scheduled river locations around the country.
  • Sankhamul at the Bagmati, Lalitpur
  • Gandaki/Narayani river basin at Triveni, near the Indian border
  • Devghat near Chitwan
  • Ridi on the Kali Gandaki
  • Koshi River basin at Dolalghat, on the Sun Koshi
Nepalese people feast themselves with the foods which keep their body warm and healthy. Food items like Tilladdoos (sesame cakes), Chaku (molasses), Ghee (clarified butter), Sweet Potatoes, Khichari (a mixture of rice and lentils) and green leaf spinach are the favorites. The people also prefer to take a massage with Sesame oil.
Maghe Sankranti is one of the biggest festivals in Tharu community. The day is also celebrated as the New Year in Kailali, Kanchanpur, Banke, Bardiya and Dang districts. On this day they discuss the mistakes made and handover the duties as the realization for the mistakes. They also plan for the up-coming year with the involvement of the family. Traditional Cultural shows are performed on this day.

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