Maghi atmosphere lights up Nawalpur

By Our Correspondent,Madhyabindu, Jan. 14: The Tharu community in Nawalpur is immersed in the festive atmosphere of Maghi. The Tharu community celebrates the first day of Magh as their New Year with great enthusiasm. 

Since Nawalpur district has a large Tharu population, the festive mood of Maghi begins nearly a week in advance.

In various places of Kawasoti, Devchuli, Madhyabindu, and Gaindakot municipalities, such as Danda, Pithauli, Amaltari, Kolhuwa, Prasauni, Piprahar, and other areas, Maghi is being marked with food festivals, Jhamta dance, Lathi dance, and other cultural programmes.

Traditional Tharu games like Bhodi, slow bicycle races, chair races, football, volleyball, and many other sports competitions are being organised, along with programmes for exchanging greetings and good wishes.

The Amaltari Homestay, located in Kawasoti-15, operated by the Tharu, Bote, and Majhi communities, is also filled with Maghi celebrations. 

During this time, tourists visiting the area get to enjoy Tharu cultural programmes. They also savour traditional foods such as ghongi (snails), fish, chichchar, and other dishes while enjoying the festive spirit of Maghi.

According to Fansaram Mahato, Chairman of the Nawalpur Tourism Committee, special Maghi programmes are being organised in all local municipalities of the district. 

He said that Khichadi festivals and greeting-exchange programmes have been taking place a week before Maghi.

The Tharu community celebrates Maghi on the first day of Magh, when the sun enters the northern hemisphere (Uttarayan).

 In Nawalpur, this festival is celebrated with great joy for three days starting from Magh 1. 

On the morning of Magh 1, people go to water bodies for a holy dip and worship, and then visit elders to receive blessings. 

In the evening, large logs are lit at home to create a sacred fire. Family members and guests sit around the fire and eat together. This tradition was shared by Prem Shankar Mardaniya Tharu, President of the Amaltari Homestay.