Festival of Sun: Celebrating Maghe Sankranti
January 26, 2018
The Green Lion
Maghe Sankranti is also known as ‘Makkar Sankranti’ or ‘Maghi’. It is one of the very auspicious festivals celebrated by Nepalese community. It is celebrated in the first day of Magh which is on the 9th month of Bikram Sambat (B.S.). The festival falls on the mid-January. Sankranti is a Sanskrit word in Eastern Astrology which refers to the transmigration of the Sun from one Rashi (sign of the zodiac) to another and the sun moving into the Capricon zodiacal sign which is known as Makkar Sankranti. On this day, the sun is believed to start moving toward the Northern Hemisphere that starts the longer and warmer days ending the winter solstice.
It is believed that Maghe Sankranti is the holy phase of transition, as it marks the end of the inauspicious phase of time which is believed to begin around mid-December. The spring season begins with this phase that has high value for harvesting. This is also treated as the festival of Sun which has very high significance in Nepalese religion. It is treated as the symbol of power, divinity and wisdom.
In this celebration, we take holy bath known as ‘Makkar Snan’ in Holly Rivers. Maghe Shankranti has its own cuisine significance that is filled with delicious food and desserts. Till ko Laddu (Brown Sesame seed Fudge), Chakku (Molasys), Ghee (Clarified Butter), Tilauri. Yam’s curry is cooked as Maghe Shankranti’s special food. Sweet Potato and yam is regarded as very important and special foods made for the Maghe Shankranti. So, this January, we at The Green Lion Nepal celebrated the Festival of Sun with the participants at our Center in Kathmandu.
