Maghe Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is being celebrated with traditional fervour across Nepal on Tuesday, January 14. Observed on the first day of the Nepali month of Magh, the festival marks the sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makara), heralding the start of longer days.  

Devotees observe the festival by taking ritual baths in rivers and ponds, visiting temples, and indulging in traditional delicacies such as yam, khichadi, chaku, and sweets made by mixing molasses and sesame seeds.  

The festival takes on various forms across Nepal. It is known as Ghyo Chaku Sanhhu in the Newa community, Maghi among the Tharu and Magar communities, and Nahan in the Tarai region, emphasizing the ritual of holy bathing.  

Prominent pilgrimage locations such as Devghat, Baraha Chhetra, Ridi, Panauti, Dolalghat, and Kankai in Nepal, along with Prayag and Gangasagar in India, witness a significant influx of devotees for holy dips and ancestral rituals. 

In Bhaktapur, the Til Madhav Narayan Temple at Taumadhi Tole hosts colorful gatherings, and the Deepakankar Buddha is worshipped with reverence.  

A public holiday is granted to celebrate the festival which fosters unity among Nepal’s diverse communities, each with unique cultural heritage.  

In Kathmandu, members belonging to various ethnic communities gather at Tundikhel in their traditional attire to celebrate the festival while showcasing their distinct cultural identities and customs.  

Here are some snapshots of the Tundikhel celebrations, captured by New Business Age’s photojournalist, Sunil Sharma.