Maghe Sankranti, the first festival of the year, that falls around the middle of January, is celebrated as the beginning of the auspicious month of Magh. Harbinger of longer and warmer days, Maghe Sankranti, is the day when the sun is believed to start moving towards the Northern Hemisphere. Like the solstice festival is celebrated in other religions, Maghe Sankranti is celebrated in Hinduism. The day is regarded as a symbol of power and wisdom.

The major task performed by Hindus on this day is taking a holy dip in river confluences. The holy dip s mostly notable in Devghat of Chitwan. There is a national holiday on this day and families get together to share unique meals like Sesame seed laddus, molasses, ghee, sweet potatoes, yam, meat, etc. Lord Bishnu is worshipped on this month with several pujas, and going through sacred Bhagwat Geeta which is the songs of the Gods.

Tharu Community – Maghi or New Year

In different regions of Terai, Maghe Sankranti is called Maghi or New Year and is mainly celebrated by Tharu community. The festival lasts an entire week and getting together with families, eating traditional cuisines, visiting local fairs, and merry-making take place all week. The week is known as gala making week, and the major dish in Tharu community on this occasion is Dhikari.

Maghe – Karnali Region

In the Karnali region, the first day of Magh is known as Maghe and is celebrated to mark the harvest time and beginning of the new season of agriculture. It indicates the start of longer warmer days and spring season.

Magar Community 

The festival is popular among the Magar community who enjoy the festival by exchanging warm wishes with families, eating fresh roots of yam and sweet potatoes, and worship their daughters to welcome prosperity and happiness.

Place to Visit

1. Bagmati: Hindu people follow a ritual of holy bathe at sacred rivers. In Kathmandu, people celebrate it in Bagmati near Patan in Sankhamul.

2. Narayani River: People in Nawalparasi celebrate the festival by taking a holy bath at Narayani River.

3. Koshi River: Hindus in Dolalghat celebrate and follow the ritual of holy bath in Koshi River.

4. Taruka Village: To enjoy the amazing Bull Fighting, one can visit Nuwakot. The bullfight is organized in Taruka village on the first day of Magh month.