KATHMANDU, Maghe Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is being observed across Nepal today with religious rituals, holy baths, and traditional celebrations.

Devotees are taking ritual dips in rivers and ponds, offering prayers at temples, and consuming foods such as ghee, yam, khichadi, chaku, and sesame-based sweets.

Astrologically, the festival marks the sun’s northward journey as it moves from Sagittarius to Capricorn, symbolizing longer days and shorter nights. Religious texts state that observing the rituals brings good health and blessings.

The Newar community celebrates the day as Ghyo Chaku Sallnhu, while the Tharu community marks it as Maghi, observed over five days. Large gatherings are seen at sacred sites like Devghat, Barahchhetra, Ridi, and Panauti. The festival is also valued in Ayurveda, as the traditional foods are believed to boost immunity.