Maghe Sankranti Being Celebrated Nationwide with Traditional Fervor

Today, Maghe Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is being celebrated with enthusiasm and religious fervor throughout the country. Devotees are participating in various rituals, including taking holy dips in rivers and ponds, worshiping at temples, and enjoying traditional delicacies.

One of the key astrological aspects of Makar Sankranti is the significant transition of the sun. According to the astrological chart, the sun begins its ascendancy and enters the northern hemisphere on this auspicious day, moving from the tropic of Sagittarius to the tropic of Capricorn. This transition is believed to mark the lengthening of days and the shortening of nights.

The festival holds special significance in religious texts like ‘Bhabisya Puran’ and ‘Dharma Sindhu,’ which suggest that adhering to the rituals of Makar Sankranti brings special blessings and ensures a robust body for devotees.

The Newar community celebrates the day as ‘Ghyo Chaku Sallnhu,’ remembering departed souls by taking ghee and chaku. Seniors in the community apply mild-hot edible oil to the heads of juniors as a customary practice.

Notable pilgrimage sites in Nepal, including Devghat, Barahchhetra, Ridi, Panauti, Dolalghat, and Kankai, witness a large influx of devotees who perform holy baths and Shraddha rituals. In India, Prayag and Gangasagar are similarly thronged by worshippers.

Makar Sankranti is not only a religious celebration but also holds significance in Ayurveda and medical science. The traditional food items consumed on this day are considered sources of a balanced diet, contributing to increased immunity.

In Bhaktapur, a festival is organized at the Tilmadhav Narayan Temple, and puja of Deepakankar Buddha is performed. Meanwhile, the Tharu community celebrates Maghi with five days of fanfare and gaiety, and the people in Tarai districts mark the day as the festival of bath, known as Nahan. The festivities bring communities together, fostering a sense of unity and joy across the nation.