Nepal Marks Maghe Sankranti With Rituals, Festivities and Calls for Unity

Nepal is celebrating Maghe (Makar) Sankranti today with ritual bathing, prayers and traditional festivities, marking the sun’s entry into Capricorn and the start of Uttarayan, when days become longer. Devotees flocked to major rivers and confluences such as Devghat, Trishuli, Kaligandaki, Bagmati and Ridi for holy dips, while community fairs and offerings took place nationwide.

Seasonal dishes including ghee, chaku, sesame treats, tarul (yam) and khichadi remain central to the festival, believed to boost warmth and health in winter. The day is also observed as Maghi, the New Year of the Tharu community, and celebrated in diverse forms across ethnic groups, reflecting Nepal’s rich cultural mosaic.
President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister Sushila Karki extended greetings, stressing unity, harmony and cultural pride. Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav underlined the link between Magh 1 and National Agricultural Biodiversity Day. Other leaders also highlighted the festival’s role in promoting social goodwill and preserving heritage, as families gather nationwide to celebrate.