Maghe Sankranti

Maghe Sankranti (Nepali: माघे सङ्क्रान्ति, Maithili: माघि, Nepal Bhasa: घ्यःचाकु संल्हु) is a Nepali festival observed on the first of Magh in the Vikram Sambat (B.S) or Yele calendar marking the end of the winter solstice and the month of Poush. The Tharu people celebrate this day as their new year. It is also regarded as a major government-declared annual festival of the Magar community. Maghe Sankranti shares similarities with solstice festivals in various other religious traditions.

Observant Hindus take ritual baths during this festival. These include Janakpurdham, Sankhamul on the Bagmati River near Patan; In the Gandaki/Narayani river basin at Triveni, Devghat near Chitwan Valley and Ridi on the Kaligandaki River; and in the Koshi River basin at Dolalghat on the Sun Koshi River. Festive foods like laddoo, ghee, and sweet potatoes are distributed. Nieces and nephews usually go to Mama Ghar to receive tika, blessings, and dakshina (monetary gifts).