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Maghe Sankranti is the first day of the month in which the sun enters that specific part of the zodiac which the Capricorn symbolizes. The term 'Sankranti' refers to the first day of any month in the Nepali calendar. The sun starts the northward journey on the day of Maghe Sankranti. The festival of Maghe Sankranti celebrates this division of the winter and summer solstice. People bathe in the rivers on this auspicious day specially at the places of river confluence.
The festival of Maghe Sankranti at Nepal is usually observed in the month of January. This celebration marks the end of the ill omen which the Poush month brings with itself. Special dishes made out of pure ghee and sweets like laddoo and sweet potato are served on this Holy Day. The Mahabharata says that King Bhisma, who had the power to choose the time of his death, chose this day of Maghe Sankranti. This has propelled the belief that those who die on this day achieve Mokhsha.
On the Maghe Sankranti festival in Nepal, Lord Vishnu who is the Preserver is thanked as people flock to the various shrines of Vishnu with food, incense and flowers on this day. Bhagwat Gita or the Songs of the Gods is read on Maghe Sankranti festival of Nepal, and various preparations out of sesame and sugarcane pastes are made.
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