Maghe Sankranti is the beginning of the holy month of Magh, usually
the mid of January. It brings an end to the ill-omened month of
Poush (mid-December) when all religious ceremonies are forbidden.
Even if it is considered the coldest day of the year, it marks
the coming of warmer weather and better days of health and fortune.
This day is said to be the most significant day for holy bathing
despite the weather. This ritual usually takes place at the union
of sacred rivers and streams. A common belief is that if you take
bath early in the morning on this particular day with cold water,
common diseases like fever, cough and cold would not infect the
body. They pay homage to various deities and offer prayers.
In addition to holy bathing and worship of shrines, certain auspicious
foods like till laddoos (seasame seeds ball cakes), chaku(molasys),
ghee (clarified butter), sweet potatoes, khichari (mixture of
rice and lentils) and green leaf spinach are taken on this day.
Families come together and share these delights. Married daughters
and families are invited to parental homes for festivities and
blessings. Yet another occasion to renew family ties. Many homes
have pujas (religious ceremonies) conducted by priests with chantings
from holy books, for which they receive alms.
Like any other holy celebration Maghe Sankranti also has a legend
of its own. It recalls that once a merchant from the town of Bhadgoan
despite of his thriving business noticed that his supply of seasame
seeds hadn't diminished. When looking into the matter he found
an idol of the Lord Vishnu hidden deep beneath the seeds. Since,
then on this day the Til Madhav idol is worshipped with the belief
that god will continue to be generous in the supply of food and
wealth on the Bhadgoan community. It's also the day commemorating
the death of Viswapitama, the elderly grandfather of two families
of Pandavas and Kauravas, between whom the famous battle of Mahabharata
took place. He was determined not to die until the way to the
region of gods opened. While lying on the bed of arrows he discovered
words of wisdom on life and death. Eventually, through his free
will he succumbed to death. Hence it's believed that those who
die on this day go to heaven, released from the burden of rebirth.
Maghe Sankranti, is yet another occasion which renews the faith
of Nepalese people in the heavenly powers.
Article by Padmakshi Rana
