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Maghe festival being observed across the nation

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Maghe Sankrati, one of the popular Nepali festivals is being observed across the nation with zeal and keenness on Wednesday.

The festival, which is celebrated on the the first day of Magh as per the Nepali canlender is one of the biggest festivals of Tharu community and hindus.

The government has declared a public holiday to celebrate the festival.

Despite the cold, devotees from across the country are taking holy dips at Devghat, Dolalghat, Baraha Kshetra, Ridi, Sachi Tirtha at Trivenighat (Panauti), Kankai and other rivers across the country.

Even if Magh 1 is considered the coldest day of the year, it is believed that celebrating maghe sankranti brings end to the chilled winter, beginning of the better days with warm weather.

The special delicacies of the festival are chaku, yam and ghee.

According to legend, a merchant from Bhadgaon was surprised to see that his stock of sesame seeds (til) never finished even though he had sold it in huge quantity. Upon having a closer look at his stock, he found an idol of the Lord Vishnu hidden deep beneath the seeds. Since, then the people of Bhadgaon — modern day Bhaktapur — worship the Til Madhav idol for abundance of food and wealth.

Tharus across the country are observing the festival by organising programmes with Tharu cuisine, cultural dance and songs at different places of the country.

Tharu community is organising a special programme at Tundikhel in the Capital this afternoon to celebrate the festival.

source/photo: the himalayan times,15 jan 2014