Maghe Sankranti marks the beginning of Magh in the Nepali calendar. On the Gregorian calendar used in the UK, it falls in mid-January, often 14 or 15 January. Check a Nepali calendar for the exact date in the year you’re planning for, since the UK date can vary.
What does the day mark?
Maghe Sankranti is associated with a seasonal turning point and the sun’s transition into Makara in Hindu tradition. For many families it is a time to gather, share food and welcome the new month. Customs are not identical across Nepal’s communities, so it’s best to learn how the people you’re celebrating with observe it.
Which foods are associated with Maghe Sankranti?
Sesame sweets such as til ko laddu, chaku (a dark, concentrated sweet), ghee and boiled root vegetables such as yam or tarul are well-known festival foods. Some households also make khichadi or other dishes they associate with the occasion. The exact spread changes by family and region.
Why these winter foods?
These ingredients are closely connected with the festival and the winter season. Sweet, nutty and hearty foods are enjoyable to share when the weather is cold. They are part of food tradition, not a reason to make medical claims about what a particular ingredient can do.
How is it celebrated?
Some people bathe in rivers or visit sacred places, while others mark the day at home with family and food. The Tharu community celebrates Maghi around this period as an important New Year festival, with its own customs and gatherings. It should not be reduced to just another name for every family’s Maghe Sankranti celebration.
Celebrating in the UK
If you’re away from Nepal, a simple meal can still make the day meaningful. Check the date, prepare one or two foods that matter to your household and share them with family or friends. You might serve cooked tarul with a little ghee and a sesame sweet, or make a family favourite instead. Check labels for sesame, milk and other allergens before sharing.
Maghe Sankranti is a reminder that a festival can travel with you. The calendar tells you when it arrives; the food and people around your table make it your own.