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Makar Sankranti is the celebration of the first day in the month of Makar. Makar Sankranti marks the celebration of the day when the sun enters that specific region of the zodiac, which is symbolized by Capricorn. Makar Sankranti is usually observed in the month of January. Makar Sankranti is the day which marks the commencement of the Uttarayan. According to the Nepalese calendar, this day symbolizes the division in the Summer and Winter Solstice. Makar Sankranti festival also marks the end of the ill omen that the month of Poush brings with itself.
Although the day on which the festival of Makar Sankranti is enjoyed, it is a time of rejoicing as it acts as a premonition of the fact that warmer days are about to begin. Makar Sankranti in Nepal is considered to b he optimum day for Holy bathing. People flock to the regions of river or stream confluence in large numbers and take a dip into the holy waters. The most popular sacred site for this purpose is the Sankhamole in Patan which is located on the banks of the holy river of Bhagmati. After the dip, people offer prayers to the temples of Agime Ta and Red Machindranath.
On this Holy day of Makar Sankranti at Nepal, special dishes made out of pure ghee and sweets like laddu and sweet potato are prepared. According to the Mahabharata, King Bhisma, who had the power to choose the time of his death, chose this day of Makar Sankranti. People also offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, the Protector.
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