Discover Nepal guide

Maghe Sankranti (Maghi)

Learn about Maghe Sankranti (Maghi) through verified cultural context, key facts, regions, traditions and references.

Communities

Tharu (Maghi), Magar, Thakali and Hindu communities generally

Regions

Terai and mid-hills nationwide

Calendar

Magh 1 (BS) — mid-January

Season

Jan

Rituals

Ritual bathing at river confluences; foods of sesame, molasses, ghee and yam; Tharu communities celebrate Maghi as their new year with feasts and debts settled.

Significance

The sun's northward turn — winter's hinge, marked by warming foods and Tharu new-year renewal.