Kathmandu, Jan 14:
Maghe Sankranti or Makar Sankranti is being celebrated throughout the country today. It is observed by taking holy dips in rivers and ponds, worshiping at various temples and savoring delicacies like ghee, yam, Khichadi and sweets such as Chaku and sweets made of sesame and molasses.
According to astrological charts, Makar Sankranti has special significance as the sun starts its ascendancy entering into the northern hemisphere from this day onwards.
On this day, sunlight moves from the Tropic of Capricorn towards the Tropic of Cancer. It is believed that the days get longer and nights shorter from today itself. According to ‘Bhabisya Puran’ and ‘Dharma Sindhu’, religious texts, devotees will get special blessings and will have a robust body if they observe the festival as per the rituals.
Likewise, the Newar community observes the festival by taking ghee, Chaku and remembering departed souls. This festival is called ‘Ghyo Chaku Sallnhu’. The seniors apply mild-hot edible oil to the heads of juniors on this day.
A large number of devotees throng Devghat, Barahchhetra, Ridi, Panauti, Dolalghat and Kankai in Nepal and Prayag and Gangasagar in India to take a holy bath and perform Shraddha.
The festival has significance in view of Ayurveda and medical science as well. Food items that are taken on this day are the sources of a balanced diet which increases the immunity power of the human body. On this day, a festival is organized at the Tilmadhav Narayan Temple in Taumadhi Tole, Bhaktapur, where puja of Deepakankar Buddha is performed.
The Tharu and Magar communities celebrate this festival as Maghi with much fanfare and gaiety. Likewise, the people in the Tarai districts mark the day as the festival of baths known as Nahan.
The government has announced a public holiday on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti/Maghi festival.
President extends greetings on Maghe Sankranti
Kathmandu, Jan 14: President Ramchandra Paudel has expressed the confidence that the Maghe Sankranti festival would inspire one and all to develop a civilized, cultured and an equitable society by preserving nature and culture.
In a message today on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti, the President has extended best wishes to all Nepali sisters and brothers at home and abroad for their happiness, peace and prosperity.
Different communities celebrate this festival on their own ways.
Tharu community observes as its New Year while the resident in Tarai district mark the day as the festival of baths known as Nahan.
The President has also recalled the tradition of holy bath and offering puja in different religious sites including Barahchhetra, Devghat, Ridi and others.
President Paudel has said that such festival will have crucial roles in spreading the fame of Nepal after building a common identity of Nepalis by connecting our special and unique festivals, cultural and ethnic diversities.
The President has expressed confidence that such festival would contribute to maintain brotherhood, mutual reconciliation and tolerance to further strengthen our national unity.