Maghe Sankranti or Makar Sankranti is being celebrated by eating delicacies like ghee, yam, Khichadi and sweets such as Chaku and sweets made of sesame and molasses throughout the country today.
According to astrological charts, Makar Sankranti has special significance as the sun starts its ascendancy entering into the northern hemisphere from this day onward. On this day, sunlight moves from the Tropic of Capricorn toward the Tropic of Cancer. It is believed that the days get longer and nights shorter from today itself.
The Tharu and Magar communities celebrate this festival as Maghi with much fanfare and gaiety. A large number of people from these communities thronged Tundikhel in Kathmandu to mark the Maghi festival today.
Likewise, the Newar community observes the festival by taking ghee, Chaku and remembering departed souls. This festival is called ‘Ghyo Chaku Sallnhu’.
The government has announced a public holiday on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti/Maghi festival.
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