KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor and senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Balen Shah, has extended warm greetings to Nepalis on the occasion of Maghi, describing the day as not only a seasonal transition but also a celebration of Nepal’s rich cultural diversity.
In a Facebook post on Magh 1, Shah began his message with a verse highlighting unity in diversity. “Different drums, one rhythm; different steps, one beat; we are all Nepalis, and Nepal is our one country,” he wrote, adding that Magh 1 is “not just the day when nature changes, but also a confluence of Nepal’s diversity.”
Known for brief and pointed social media updates, Shah shared a longer message this time, elaborating on the cultural and historical significance of the day. He noted that Magh 1, also known as Makar Sankranti or Maghe Sankranti, marks the transition of the sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn, a moment considered highly auspicious in the Nepali calendar.
“Today the sun enters the Capricorn sign, and the day is observed as Maghe Sankranti, Tiluwa Sankranti, Makar Sankranti or Maghi, each with its own cultural importance and unique way of celebration,” he wrote.
Shah also highlighted how the same day is observed differently across various communities in Nepal. In the Newar community, it is celebrated as ‘Ghyah Chaku Sanlhu,’ while among the Kirat community it marks the beginning of the Yele Sambat, one of the calendars in use in Nepal.
“In Nepal, Yele Sambat of the Kirat community is among the calendars in practice, and Magh 1 is celebrated as the New Year,” he stated.
Similarly, Shah said Maghi is the most important festival of the Tharu community, deeply rooted in their indigenous culture. “Maghi is the principal festival of the Tharu people and is regarded as their biggest cultural celebration,” he wrote.
Despite the differences in names, rituals and styles of celebration, Shah stressed that the underlying spirit of the festivals remains the same. “We may have different ways, names and styles of celebrating, but the feeling is one, of togetherness, joy and festivity,” he said.
He concluded by wishing for new beginnings and prosperity for all Nepalis. “May these sacred festivals bring a wave of new beginnings and prosperity. Heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Nepalis on these auspicious occasions,” Shah added.
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