Nitesh R Pradhan
Jorethang, Jan 16
The festival of Makar Sankranti, known as Maghey Sankranti in Sikkim was marked with traditional zeal and fervour across the Himalayan state today.
Sikkim’s majority Nepali- Hindu population celebrates the festival through rituals and merry making with the community at large. The Sun is worshipped on this day at river banks and homes after “Makar Snan” or the ritualistic holy bath.
Ritualistic worship of the Sun is followed by preparation of dishes made of varied species of plant roots like Sweet Potato which is offered to the deity and distributed among family and community.
Traditional fairs or “Melas” are held at various spots across the state along the river banks of Teesta and Rangit rivers along with its tributaries.
The largest among the fairs is the Jorethang Maghey Sankranti Mela in South Sikkim along the banks of Rangit river which hosts a cultural and entertainment extravaganza every year.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang(Golay) inaugurated the Maghey Sankranti Mela at Jorethang today along with his spouse Saradha Golay, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, MP(Lok Sabha) Indra Hang Subba, Political Secretary to CM, Chairpersons, Advisors, Chief Secretrary, Heads of Departments, Government Officials, Mela Committee members, and public at large.
At, the onset the CM attended puja ceremony at Trikaleshwar Temple. He also visited a total number of 33 departmental stall put up at Jorethang Playground premises. Further, the CM along with dignitaries also inaugurated the Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans (SARAS) trade fair.
The Maghey Sankranti Melas in different parts of the state continues for many days post the day of the festival.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has extended his warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Sikkim on the auspicious occasion of Maghe Sankranti.
This day marks the beginning of a propitious phase of nature’s transition and the wheel of time. It also marks the beginning of warmer and longer days in the run-up to the next equinox. Maghe Sankranti or Makar Sankranti is also a tradition marking the arrival of the spring season.
The festival has a religious and spiritual significance and is celebrated in different parts of the country as per the local customs, traditions, and beliefs.
