Benefits of foods eaten during Maghe Sankranti

KATHMANDU: Maghe Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a major festival in Nepal. It is also referred to as Maghi. The first day of the Magh month is celebrated as Maghe Sankranti.

In the geographically, ethnically, and culturally diverse country of Nepal, this festival is recognized by different names and celebrated in various ways by different communities.

According to astrology, when the Sun transitions from Sagittarius to Capricorn, it marks the day of Makar Sankranti. This transition is considered significant, and the day is celebrated as Maghe Sankranti.

During Maghe Sankranti, people take holy baths in various sacred rivers and perform worship and rituals in temples. Additionally, they consume traditional foods such as sesame seeds, molasses, sesame sweets, tarul (yam), and sugar candies.

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This festival holds special cultural significance for the Tharu community, who engage in traditional dances and receive blessings from elders during Sankranti. The Magar community extends the celebration to three days, making it a grand and lively event.

Maghe Sankranti is associated with consuming specific food items, such as ghee, chaku, sesame seeds (til ko laddu), yam, sweet potato & khichadi, that are believed to have health benefits.

These foods are thought to increase warmth in the body, promote well-being, and protect against various health issues.

The festival also emphasizes the consumption of sesame seeds, which are considered beneficial for providing energy, maintaining resistance against diseases, and contributing to the development of the body’s defensive capabilities. Ghee is known for their high glucose content, making them suitable for individuals with diabetes and those looking to control weight.

Tilko Laddu, a traditional sweet, is a popular choice during Maghe Sankranti. It is believed to aid digestion, relieve problems like indigestion, gas, acidity, and constipation, and keep the stomach clean.

Yams (tarul) and sugar candies, a root vegetable-rich region, are considered a rich source of vitamins C and A, carbohydrates, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. These elements are essential for the human body.

Consuming khichadi, a dish made by mixing lentils and rice, is another prevalent tradition during Maghe Sankranti. Khichadi provides carbohydrates, vitamins, calcium, fiber, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. It is considered beneficial for maintaining a balanced diet and preventing problems related to pitta and cough.

Maghe Sankranti, with its diverse cultural expressions and traditional foods, plays a crucial role in promoting both cultural and physical well-being in Nepal.