The Importance of Maghe Sankranti – Ghya Chaku Sahlu
Maghe Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a festival that marks the sun’s transition into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar Rashi), signifying the shift from Dakshinayan (southern movement) to Uttarayan (northern movement). This event, which occurs annually on the first day of the Nepali month of Magh (mid-January), is considered an important transition in both astronomy and cultural traditions. Even though Magh falls in the peak winter season, from this day onward, the cold gradually subsides, and daylight hours begin to increase, marking the end of winter’s harshness and the arrival of longer, warmer days.
In the Newar community, Maghe Sankranti is celebrated as Ghya Chaku Sahlu (घ्यः चाकु संह्लु), a name that reflects the traditional foods consumed during this time:
- Ghya – घ्यः (Ghee) – Symbolizing warmth, nourishment, and strength
- Chaku – चाकु (Molasses) – Providing energy and resilience
- Sahlu – संह्लु (Sankranti) – Referring to the sun’s transition from one zodiac sign to another
The festival is deeply rooted in health and wellness traditions, emphasizing the importance of consuming high-energy foods that help combat the cold. Families prepare and enjoy ghee, molasses, black sesame sweets (तिलौरी), yam (तरुल), and fish, all believed to provide warmth and vitality. A unique practice among the Newars is applying warm oil to children’s heads and performing oil massages, reinforcing the cultural understanding of maintaining body heat and joint flexibility during winter.
Beyond dietary customs, ritual river baths, honoring elders, and religious offerings play a crucial role in Maghe Sankranti celebrations. In Bhaktapur, the day is also associated with the legend of Til Madhav, a sacred idol of Narayan (Vishnu) discovered beneath a pile of sesame seeds. This connection reinforces the symbolic and ritualistic use of sesame seeds, which are considered auspicious for purification and protection against cold-related ailments.
Although solar transitions occur naturally each year, Maghe Sankranti has been given special cultural significance across various Nepali communities. Its observance highlights the interconnection between seasonal changes, health practices, and spiritual beliefs, making it both a scientific and cultural milestone in the annual calendar.
The Cultural and Practical Aspects of Maghe Sankranti
Festivals in cultural traditions are not merely occasions for fun and feasting. Every festival has its unique significance and practical relevance. A historical analysis of cultural traditions makes this clear. Similarly, Maghe Sankranti, despite being a joyous festival, carries its own uniqueness and practical importance.
From a health perspective, this festival is akin to Gathe Mangal and Pishach Chaturdashi, as it revolves around dietary practices necessary for maintaining good health. The core idea behind the festival is aligned with Ayurveda, which emphasizes seasonal diets and lifestyle adjustments.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Seasonal Diets
The human body reacts differently to changing seasons. The same diet and routine cannot be beneficial throughout the year. According to Ayurvedic texts, dietary habits should align with seasonal shifts.
During Hemanta Ritu (late autumn) and Shishir Ritu (winter), the digestive fire (Agni) is at its peak. This is when the body requires nutrient-dense foods in adequate quantities. If one fails to consume sufficient food in winter, Vata-related disorders can arise. Ayurvedic scholars have strongly emphasized this concern.
Additionally, cold weather weakens the nervous system, and Vata-inducing elements are considered harmful. Therefore, it is essential to include warm, oily, and nourishing foods in the diet, such as:
- Milk, ghee, oil, meat, fish, molasses (chaku), and sugar
- Massage with oils, especially on the head
- Avoiding exposure to cold winds
Though these might seem like simple practices, their significance in winter health is profound. Maghe Sankranti serves as a reminder of these vital dietary and lifestyle habits.
Traditional Foods and Celebrations
On this day, people of all economic backgrounds joyfully consume ghee, sesame-based sweets (तिलौरी), and fish. Children eagerly await head massages from their mothers with warm oil. Throughout villages and towns, people can be seen offering oil massages.
While ghee, molasses, and sesame sweets can be consumed at any time, the festive atmosphere of Maghe Sankranti adds a special sense of joy when consuming them on this particular day. This deep-rooted cultural impact highlights how traditions reinforce healthy habits.
Ancient thinkers recognized the health benefits of seasonal foods and integrated them into festivals, ensuring people would follow these dietary principles naturally. Unfortunately, modern society is gradually forgetting these traditional wisdoms. Many continue eating yams (तरुल) on this day as a ritual but lack knowledge of why they are consumed.
Religious and Mythological Significance
From a religious perspective, Maghe Sankranti is associated with Til Madhav (तिलमाधव), a revered deity. A legend narrates that on this day, Til Madhav was discovered, giving rise to its worship, particularly in Taumadi, Bhaktapur.
The Legend of Til Madhav
Once, during Makar Sankranti, merchants in Taumadi were trading sesame seeds (तिल). One particular merchant found that, no matter how much he sold, his stock remained undiminished. Curious, he cleared the sesame heap and discovered a stone idol of Narayan (Vishnu).
This deity later became known as Til Madhav (तिलमाधव). Though the exact time of the idol’s establishment is uncertain, a Garuda pillar, standing for over 800 years, suggests its antiquity. The religious significance of sesame (तिल) in winter nourishment aligns with Ayurveda’s emphasis on oily foods for balancing Vata energy.
A unique tradition of Maghe Sankranti is applying ghee on the Til Madhav idol, symbolizing the need for nourishment and protection during winter. Originally, this was a seasonal wellness practice, but over time, its relevance has become limited to postpartum women in Bhaktapur, who follow traditional snehan (oil massage) rituals.
Conclusion: Preserving the Essence of Maghe Sankranti
Maghe Sankranti is a fusion of culture, health, and spirituality, embodying traditions that have both practical health benefits and deep Ayurvedic connections. The festival is not merely a time for celebration but a reminder of seasonal well-being, dietary awareness, and cultural unity.
While we may not always recognize the scientific rationale behind rituals, the wisdom behind them remains deeply embedded in our traditions. The historical and Ayurvedic principles that underpin Maghe Sankranti reinforce its importance beyond just festivity, making it a significant occasion that aligns with nature’s rhythm and human health.
For this reason, Maghe Sankranti should be regarded alongside other health-centered festivals such as Gathe Mangal and Pishach Chaturdashi, which emphasize wellness and seasonal balance. By understanding and reviving these age-old traditions, we can create a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern well-being, ensuring that the true essence of Maghe Sankranti continues to thrive for future generations.
References
- Nepali Chad-Parbaharu Ko Bibechana, Mana Bajra Bajracharya, 1968