Maghe Sankranti, one of the main festivals of the Nepalis, is being observed throughout the country on Saturday.

It is customary to take holy dips at river confluences, perform worship at various shrines and take yam and ‘chaku’ as special food items on this occasion. Chaku is a sweet prepared from boiled and hardened molasses.

Hindus also observe this day as ‘makar sankranti’, as it marks the sun’s journey northwards.

The belief goes that eating such items as ghee and chaku, sesame seed candy, vegetables and yam and giving them away in charity on this day after taking a holy dip helps one become healthier.

Devotees take holy dips at Devghat, Dolalghat, Baraha Kshetra, Ridi, Triveni and other rivers across the country.

On the occasion, a fair is organised and the Dipankar Buddha worshipped at the Tilmadhav Narayan Temple in Taumadhitole of Bhaktapur.

Likewise, people from the Tharu community observe this festival as the Maghi Festival, one of the greatest festivals of Tharu community with great enthusiasm and celebrations. The day is also celebrated as New Year’s day in Tharu community.

A special delicacy called Khichidi or Maghi prepared by cooking a mixture of black lentil and rice is served on the occasion.