Maghe Sankranti is a colourful cultural festival celebrated in Nepal and other parts of India. This festival is characterized by merry-making, traditional foods, and spiritual activities, and everyone feels very important in the hearts of the people. The 2026 festival will be held on January 14th, so it should be the best moment to learn about the traditions, past, and festivities of this significant event.
Are you planning to celebrate Maghe Sankranti in Nepal? What is this about? This article will help you to know everything you need to know. From the festival's origins to its distinctive traditions and food, we can take a deep dive into why it is such an essential part of South Asian culture.
What is Maghe Sankranti?
Maghe Sankranti is a Hindu festival that marks the Sun entering the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makar Rashi). It is also among the greatest holidays in Nepal and parts of India, celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. The festival marks the conclusion of the winter solstice, the onset of warmer weather, and the start of a new harvest.
The day is also related to several spiritual practices and communal rituals. Individuals sit down with their family and friends to rejoice, honour the Sun God, and feed on traditional foods. It is a period of detoxifying the body and soul, setting the stage for the next few months of prosperity and plenty.
Maghe Sankranti 2026: In What Year is it Going to Be Celebrated?
Maghe Sankranti will be observed on 14th January, 2026. Since it takes place around the same time each year (January 13 to 15), it is always a good idea to put it on your calendar early if you plan to take part in the festivities.
Maghe Sankranti 2026 will be celebrated with much enthusiasm in Nepal, as families throughout the country unite for rituals, feasts, and cultural activities. The date is based on the Nepali lunar calendar (Bikram Sambat), so the day changes every year, although the spirit of the festival remains the same.
Why is Maghe Sankranti Celebrated?
Maghe Sankranti is both a festival and an agricultural festival. The festival is also associated with the Sun God, who, on this day, is believed to start his journey towards the north. It is believed that with this transition, the world receives warmth, light, and energy, helping people escape the darkness and cold of winter.
The festival is also associated with the harvest season, when farmers begin harvesting. People in the countryside rejoice over the success of their farming and anticipate a plentiful harvest in the new season.
Moreover, the Maghe Sankranti is a period of spiritual purification and rejuvenation. They usually bathe in sacred rivers, offer sacrifices to the gods and ancestors, and conduct ceremonies to ensure prosperity and good health in the coming year.
The celebration of Maghe Sankranti.
There are many customs and traditions for celebrating Maghe Sankranti, which may vary slightly by region. Nonetheless, it is possible to identify common practices in Nepal and some areas of India.
Flying Kites: A Symbol of Joy
Kite flying is one of the unique activities of Maghe Sankranti. This is most evident in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, where clouds are filled with colourful kites. Bonfires and community gatherings are important parts of the Maghe Sankranti festival, where people light oil lamps, chant sacred mantras, and offer sesame seeds, molasses, and clarified butter, according to Nepal Desk.
In their communities, people arrange bonfires as a symbol of the Sun's warmth and brightness, accompanied by dancing, singing, and celebrations. These events provide an opportunity for families and communities to unite and enjoy them.
Religious Celebrations and Sacrifices.
Maghe Sankranti is a religious event, and most people perform rituals at home or in temples. An offering is made to the Sun God, and individuals frequent sacred places to perform pujas (religious ceremonies). On this day, when the Sun is the most significant deity, health, prosperity, and well-being are prayed for.
Family Parties and Feasts.
In Maghe Sankranti, family is central. The family meets to eat together and spend some time together. It is a time for reunion and bonding, particularly for those living far apart. Food is also a big part of the celebration, and many traditional dishes are served.
Maghe Sankranti Traditional Foods.
One of the most expected of Maghe Sankranti is food. Traditional food is cooked and eaten in large quantities throughout the day. The important foods that constitute Maghe Sankranti feast include the following:
Tilgul (Jaggery and Sesame Sweets )
Tilgul is a prerequisite at Maghe Sankranti. These sweets are made with sesame seeds and jaggery and are taken to add sweetness to life. A mixture of jaggery and sesame is considered healthy when applied to the body, especially during winter, as it helps warm the system.
Khichdi (Lentils and Rice)
Khichdi is a local dish made with rice and lentils, cooked with ghee. It is usually accompanied by pickles and yogurt. Khichdi is a dish of health and is believed to help heal and be both the body and the soul. Sweet Potatoes and Yams
Sweet potatoes and yams are roasted or boiled in several areas and served as part of the Maghe Sankranti feast. During Maghe Sankranti, one of the key foods is ‘Til ko Laddu’, a delicacy made from sesame seeds and jaggery that celebrates the winter harvest, according to Nepal Desk. It is said that eating meat during this festival will clean the body and soul for the new year.
Maghe Sankranti in 2026: What to Expect.
Maghe Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is observed on the first day of the month of Magh, marking the middle of winter and the beginning of new festivals and ceremonies in Nepal. The festival in 2026 will fall on January 14, and in the weeks leading up to it, families and communities prepare their homes and food in anticipation of the celebrations.
Maghe Sankranti is going to be a particularly naughty celebration in 2026, full of rituals, family meetings, meals, and kites flying in the air. It will be a time to rejoice in the warmth and the light of the sun and to appreciate the ties of family and community, whether you are in Nepal or in India.
Conclusion
The festival, known as Maghe Sankranti, is of great cultural and spiritual significance. It is a period of transition, rebirth, and celebration, with people gathering to pay homage to the Sun, eat traditional foods, and share with their loved ones. You may be anticipating Maghe Sankranti 2026, or you may just wish to learn more about the event, but either way, this guide covers everything you need to make the most of it and enjoy it.
Knowing about the traditions, food, and rituals of Maghe Sankranti, you will be able to really feel the atmosphere of this great festival and its rich culture.
