Maghe Sankranti (माघे सङ्क्रान्ति) falls on Magh 1, when the sun enters the sign of Makar (Capricorn) and the coldest part of winter begins to turn. Families eat warming foods such as til, chaku, ghee and yam, and the Tharu community celebrates it as Maghi, their new year. In 2083 BS it falls on Magh 1 (15 January 2027), listed as a public holiday.
Find Maghe Sankranti and the start of Magh in the Nepali calendar, or convert any Magh date with the date converter.
What is Maghe Sankranti?
A sankranti is the day the sun moves from one zodiac sign into the next, and in the Bikram Sambat calendar each sankranti begins a new month. Maghe Sankranti, the first day of Magh, is when the sun enters Makar. It is known in India and elsewhere as Makar Sankranti.
The day is traditionally seen as the start of Uttarayan, the sun's northward journey, after which the days grow noticeably longer and warmer. For many families it is a day of ritual bathing, worship, charity and special winter foods. In the Newar community it is known as Ghyo Chaku Sanlhu (घ्यो चाकु संल्हु), after the ghee and chaku eaten that day.
When is Maghe Sankranti in 2083?
Because it follows the sun, Maghe Sankranti is always on Magh 1 in the Bikram Sambat calendar, and usually falls on 14 or 15 January. KhataIN's published 2083 holiday data lists:
| Event | BS date | AD date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maghe Sankranti (Maghi) (माघे सङ्क्रान्ति / माघी पर्व) | Magh 1, 2083 | Friday, 15 January 2027 | Public holiday |
The day before, 14 January 2027, is the last day of Poush in 2083.
What foods are eaten on Maghe Sankranti?
Maghe Sankranti foods are rich and warming, suited to the cold of mid-winter. A popular saying holds that eating chaku, ghee and tarul on this day keeps you healthy all year.
- Til (तिल): Sesame seeds, often made into til ko laddu with molasses or sugar.
- Chaku (चाकु): Molasses boiled into a thick, sweet paste, often eaten with sesame or nuts.
- Ghee (घ्यू): Clarified butter, eaten generously, sometimes with chaku.
- Tarul (तरुल): Yam, usually boiled; sakharkhand (sweet potato) is also common.
- Other dishes: Many homes cook khichadi, spinach and other seasonal vegetables, and laddus of different kinds.
Families often share these foods with relatives, and married daughters and their families may visit their parents' homes.
How do the Tharu celebrate Maghi?
For the Tharu community of the Terai, Maghi (माघी) is the most important festival of the year and marks the Tharu new year. Celebrations commonly span several days and include feasting, music, dances and family gatherings. Maghi is also traditionally a time when households plan the year ahead, and community leaders and responsibilities may be chosen for the new year.
The Magar community also observes Maghe Sankranti as a major festival, and in recent years community rallies and cultural programmes have been held in Kathmandu and other cities.
Where do people take a holy bath?
Many devotees take a ritual bath at river confluences and holy sites on Maghe Sankranti. Devghat, where the Kali Gandaki and Trishuli rivers meet near Chitwan, is among the best-known places and draws large crowds. Other riverbanks and temples across the country hold their own fairs (mela).
Frequently asked questions
Is Maghe Sankranti a public holiday in Nepal?
KhataIN's published 2083 holiday data lists Maghe Sankranti (Maghi) on Magh 1, 2083 (15 January 2027) as a public holiday. Check the holiday list for the status in other years.
Why is Maghe Sankranti always on Magh 1?
Bikram Sambat months begin when the sun enters a new zodiac sign. Maghe Sankranti is the day the sun enters Makar, which is also the day Magh begins, so the two always fall together.
Why do people eat chaku, ghee and tarul on Maghe Sankranti?
These are rich, warming winter foods, and tradition holds that eating them on this day brings good health for the year ahead. Sesame, molasses and ghee give energy during the coldest weeks.
Is Maghi the same as Maghe Sankranti?
They fall on the same day. Maghe Sankranti is the general name, while Maghi is the name used especially by the Tharu community, for whom the day marks the new year.
Is Maghe Sankranti the same as Makar Sankranti?
Yes. Both names refer to the sun's entry into Makar (Capricorn). In Nepal it is called Maghe Sankranti because it begins the month of Magh.