Here is how Nepalis celebrate this festival:

1. Holy Bathing (Ritual Snan)

On this morning, people wake up early to take a ritual bath in holy rivers, lakes, or confluences (Triveni). Famous spots include Devghat, Barahachhetra, and Ridi. Despite the freezing January temperatures, it is believed that bathing in these waters washes away sins and brings spiritual merit.

2. Feast of Traditional Delicacies

Maghe Sankranti is essentially a food festival. Specific items are eaten to provide warmth and nutrition:

• Tarul (Yam): Various types of yams (wild and domestic) are boiled and eaten.
• Til ko Laddu: Sweet balls made from black sesame seeds and jaggery.
• Chaku: Concentrated sugarcane juice (molasses) hardened into a sweet, chewy treat.
• Ghee (Clarified Butter): Consumed in abundance to keep the body warm.
• Khichadi: A wholesome mix of rice and black lentils, served as the main meal.

3. 'Maghi' in the Tharu Community

For the Tharu community, this festival is called 'Maghi' and marks their New Year. Their celebrations include:

• Performing collective traditional dances like the Maghauta Nach.
• Selecting a new 'Bhalmansa' (village leader) or community governance head.
• Enjoying a grand feast of pork, Dhikri (steamed rice flour cakes), and homemade liquor.

4. Celebration in the Magar Community

The Magar community celebrates this as a major festival. It is a special time to honor daughters and sisters (Cheli-Beti) by inviting them home, performing a worship ritual for them, and offering Tikka and blessings.

5. Oil Massaging

According to Ayurvedic tradition, applying mustard oil all over the body on this day keeps the skin healthy and makes the body strong. Mothers typically massage their children with oil while sitting in the sun.