A small landlocked nation between India and China, Nepal is rich in culture, diversity, languages, traditions and ethnic groups. There are many festivals and Jatra celebrated here, including Maghe Sankranti. The festival is celebrated to welcome the longer summer days and the end of winter.

Maghe Sankranti is celebrated on the first day of the month of Magh in Nepal, which is mid-January. In Maghe Sankranti, people pray to Surya (the Sun god) and visit temples, have cultural programs, gather with friends and family and have traditional feast with them.

The major places in Nepal to witness the Maghe Sankranti Festival as a foreigner are:

Kathmandu Valley

The capital city of the country, Kathmandu is home to various cultures and traditions. During the festival of Maghe Sankranti, there are many cultural programs known as mela where stalls are placed that have a variety of food, local handicrafts, utensils, and many more things. Traditional rituals according to the person’s ethnic community is performed.

Maghe Sankranti marks a time when people take a holy dip in the river for purification. In temples like Pashupatinath, people perform various activities that will be connected with the culture as well as entertaining.

Traditional foods like til ko laddu (a sweet ball made up of sesame seeds and jaggery), Yomari (sweet dumpling from Newari cuisine), and khichadi (a mixed dish made from rice and lentils) are enjoyed with family and friends. It is believed that these foods are not just good in taste but also consists of purifying and healing properties. 

Janakpur

Historically and culturally rich Janakpur is an important religious place for Hindus, which is associated with the Ramayana and is the birthplace of goddess Sita. One of the most prominent places of Sanatan religion, Janaki Temple is situated here.

During the time of Maghe Sankranti, many devotees visit the temple to worship and take a holy dip in Ram Janaki ponds to purify themselves. Various puja (rituals) is done by the locals and the visitors to worship Surya Devta.

Just like in the Kathmandu Valley, til ko laduu, gheu chaku (Ghee and Jaggery Sweets), yamori, and khichadi. As Janakpur is located in the Terai belt of Nepal, there will be various Haat melas organized by the locals, which consist of small stalls of foods that are famous in the Terai region, clothes, and handicrafts.

Lumbini

The birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini is a spiritually significant place where devotees all around the world visit to learn more about the life of Lord Buddha and walk in his footstep. The people there also worship the sun and make offerings at Maya Devi Temple.

Here, you can experience a mix of Buddhist and Hindu cultures. During Maghe Sankranti, people follow the traditional practices of bathing, fasting, and having social gatherings, enjoying meals like molasses (gud), yams (Sweet Potatoes) and til (sesame seeds).

Gosaikunda

One of the most sacred alpine lakes, situated in Langtang National Park, having an altitude of 4,380 m., Gosaikunda is known for its religious values and is considered the abode of God Shiva. Nestled in the lap of mountain ranges, Gosaikunda is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.

During the festival of Maghe Sankranti, the pristine lake is a focal point for thousands of devotees around Nepal, who take a holy dip. People bring various offerings of fruits, milk, traditional food, and honey as a part of their devotion, as well as meals like til, yam, and gud, which are also consumed and offered. As a mark of devotion, many pilgrims walk barefoot from Syabrubesi or Trisuli to Gosaikunda lake.

You can opt for this destination in our Yellow Bird Helicopter for easy and convenient journey.

Devghat

Devghat is known as one of the holiest places for Hindus, located in Tanahu District. Here, the two major rivers of Nepal meet at this point and this place is known as Tirtha Sthal, where God Shiva and God Vishnu are worshipped. People perform various functions and rituals at Devghat, as it is a spiritual hub. During Maghe Sankranti, thousands of devotees visited this religious place. 

One of the major activities done during Maghe Sankranti is taking a holy dip in the Kali Gandaki River and Trisuli River for blessings and purification. Just like the previous places, Devghat also has big melas where people gather and enjoy the food, clothes, and handicraft stalls and have traditional meals like til ko laddu, the chukka, and more. People wear new clothes and gather with family during the festival.