Maghe or Makar Sankranti is being observed throughout as well as outside the country amid much fanfare. The festival is celebrated at the beginning of the Nepali month of Magh. The festival marks the sun’s transit into Makara (Capricorn) which means the end of the winter solstice and the start of longer days.
Nepali Hindus take holy bath in rivers and ponds, and worship at various temples and relish delicacies like ghee, yam, khichadi including sweets prepared by mixing chaku (molasses) and sesame seeds to mark the day.
Meanwhile, President Bidya Devi Bhandari has extended her wishes to the people observing Maghe/Makar Sankranti and Maghi, today.
In a message released by the Office of the President, the President has stated that our unique cultural heritages have helped create a distinct identity of our nation. The message reads, “I am confident that our festivals would help maintain common Nepali identity by fostering the cultural and communal diversity.”