Maghe Sankranti is the Nepalese festival that marks the winter solstice period and celebrates the first harvest of winter crops.
Observed on the first day of the Nepali month of Magh, Maghe Sankranti traditionally signals the end of the month of Poush, considered a difficult winter period. Families eat seasonal foods such as sesame sweets, molasses, yams, and tarul, linking the festival to agricultural abundance and winter harvests.
The festival is important among several Nepalese communities, including the Tharu people, who observe Maghi as a major cultural celebration and New Year. Customs differ by region and ethnic group, so Maghe Sankranti is not a single uniform ceremony across Nepal.
It is often confused with Makar Sankranti, the related Hindu observance celebrated in parts of India. Both are associated with the Sun’s movement into Capricorn, but the names and local traditions differ.