In Nepal, Makar Sankranti is predominantly known as Maghe Sankranti.
Understanding Maghe Sankranti in Nepal
Maghe Sankranti is a significant annual festival observed across Nepal, particularly within the Pahari context. It marks a pivotal celestial event: the transition of the Sun from one zodiac sign to another, specifically when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). This occasion is commonly referred to as Makara Sankranti, especially in the Pahari cultural landscape.
Significance of Maghe Sankranti
This festival holds immense cultural and religious importance in Nepal:
- Harvest Festival: Maghe Sankranti is celebrated as a major harvest festival, signifying the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. It marks the sun's northward journey (Uttarayan), which is considered highly auspicious.
- Auspicious Occasion: Devotees often take holy dips in rivers, especially at the confluence of rivers, and visit temples. It is a day dedicated to purification and spiritual renewal.
- Traditional Foods: Special foods like Chaku (molasses), Til ko Laddu (sesame seed balls), and Ghee (clarified butter) are consumed. These foods are believed to purify the body and provide warmth during the cold season.
- Ethnic Celebrations: While celebrated widely by various communities, several ethnic groups in Nepal, such as the Tharus and Magars, have their unique ways of observing the festival, often associating it with their new year or specific traditional practices.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Nepali Name | Maghe Sankranti |
| Astronomical Event | Sun's entry into Capricorn (Makara) |
| Cultural Context | A major harvest festival; also known as Makara Sankranti, particularly in the Pahari context. |
| Significance | Marks the end of winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. It's a day for spiritual purification, holy dips, and consuming traditional warming foods like Chaku and Til ko Laddu. |
Maghe Sankranti serves as a vibrant cultural marker, deeply ingrained in the Nepali calendar and celebrated with fervor as a symbol of new beginnings and prosperity.
