MAGHE SANKRANTI

Maghe Sankranti (Nepali and Maithili: माघे सङ्क्रान्ति, Nepal Bhasa: घ्यःचाकु संल्हु) is a Nepalese festival observed on the first of Magh in the Bikram Samwat Hindu Solar Nepali calendar (about 14 January), bringing an end to the ill-omened month of Poush when all religious ceremonies are forbidden. On this day, the sun is believed to leave its southernmost position and begin its northward journey. Maghe Sankranti is similar to solstice festivals in other religious traditions. On this occasion prayers are offered at the confluence of rivers and people take a dip in rivers. These include Sankhamul on the Bagmati river near Patan; in the Gandaki/ Narayani river basin at Triveni near the Indian border; Devghat near Chitwan Valley and Ridi on the Kaligandaki; and in the Koshi River basin at Dolalghat on the Sun Koshi. On Maghe Sankranti Cha puja and on Bhadra Purnima Nara puja is performed for people to pray for the community's protection against the external forces of evil. Festive foods like laddoo, ghee and sweet potatoes are distributed to relatives and friends. The mother of each household wishes good health to all family members. As per Kirat  and Madhesi community this festival is celebrated as a start of a new year which is called Yele Dhung. Based on the rical evidence, the Kirat and Mithilacalendar was started when King Yalamber and Janaka respectively and they conquered Kathmandu valley . The legend states that a successful businessman was curious as to why his supply of sesame seed seemed to be never ending. When he inspected the bag he found an idol of Lord Vishnu, the preserver. According to Mahabharata, Bhishma , who had the power to control his own death, chose to die on the day of Maghe Sakranti. Therefore, it is believed that one who dies on this day might achieve Moksha, a release from rebirth cycle.