Maghe Sankranti: A Time of Spiritual Renewal and Traditional Celebrations across Nepal
Maghe Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a significant festival celebrated across Nepal today, marking the transition of the sun from the Sagittarius zodiac sign into Capricorn. This celestial shift signals the beginning of Uttarayan, a period when nights shorten and days grow longer, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and the arrival of warmer days. For many communities, including the Tharus and Magars, Maghe Sankranti is an occasion for spiritual reflection and celebration. The festival is rich in rituals and practices that promote well-being, including bathing in sacred rivers, performing meditation, and engaging in acts of charity. Devotees flock to revered locations such as Devghat, Trishuli, Kali Gandaki, Bagmati, Indrawati, Triveni, and Ridi, where they take holy dips in the rivers. These sacred sites also host lively fairs, adding to the vibrancy of the day’s celebrations. A Day of Purification and Meritorious Deeds The day holds profound spiritual significance, with many believing that performing good deeds during Uttarayan brings blessings, spiritual merit, and fulfillment of wishes. Bathing, charity, fasting, and meditation are all considered highly meritorious on this auspicious occasion. The traditional foods consumed on Maghe Sankranti further reflect the festival’s connection to health and wellness. These foods, such as ghee chaku (sesame candy), sesame seeds, yam, spinach, and khichadi, are considered to provide warmth and nourishment during the winter months. Ayurvedic experts emphasize the health benefits of these foods, claiming they help balance the body’s three humors (tridosha), promoting harmony and well-being. The Tradition of Yam and Sesame Oil A unique tradition associated with Maghe Sankranti is the practice of cooking yam on the last day of Poush (mid-January) and consuming it during Magh. This tradition is captured in the saying, “Cooked in Poush, eaten in Magh.” The yam, often enjoyed with sesame seeds and ghee, is believed to provide warmth and energy for the body during the colder season. Another time-honored custom is the application of sesame oil to the body. Prof. Dr. Bhattarai, an Ayurvedic expert, notes that massaging the body with sesame oil is said to remove toxins, strengthen nerves, joints, and bones, and improve overall health. This practice further enhances the festival’s connection to wellness and self-care. A Time for Community and Celebration Maghe Sankranti also brings together people from various communities, uniting them in a shared expression of faith, health, and cultural tradition. The special fairs held at sacred sites foster a sense of community, as people come together to celebrate, share food, and offer prayers. As the sun begins its journey northward during Uttarayan, Maghe Sankranti marks a time of spiritual renewal, reflecting the hope for brighter days ahead. Whether through acts of charity, reflection, or the consumption of nourishing foods, this festival offers an opportunity for individuals to cultivate positive energy and embrace the promise of a new season.
