Maghe Sankranti: Ghyu, Chaaku Festival of Nepal
- 14-Jan-2016
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Maghe Sankranti marks a major festival in Nepal celebrated during the 1st of Magh every year according to the Nepali calendar. The word “Sankranti” itself refers to the first day of the month. This day carries historical and cultural importance among the Hindu followers. Also commonly known as Maghi Parwa and Makar Sankranti, this Maghe Sankranti is believed to be the coldest day of the year and gradually the day becomes warmer hereafter.
During this day, devotees take a holy bath (some sprinkle the water), especially at river banks. There is special puja or offering to deities at the Agima Temple and Rato Machhindranath Temple in Patan.
This festival is also popular for foods and delicacies. Special meals like ‘til ko laddu’, ghee, chaku, ‘sakkar’(sweet potatoes), ‘tarul’ with ‘chiura’ are served along with many other delicious items. These festive foods are a must-try for any foreign tourist who is looking forward to knowing deeply about Nepali culture and traditions.
On the very same day of Maghe Sankranti, at Taruka VDC of Nuwakot district nearby Kathmandu, the special program of bullfighting is organized.
Two bulls represent two villages and the winning team gets special treatment. It is quite amazing and exciting to witness traditions similar yet different in their own way like of western communities in Nepal.
