SATV Janakpur, Jan. 14: The festive spirit of Tila Sankranti has spread across Madhes Province as preparations for the celebration, which falls on Tuesday, began in full swing on Monday.

Elders believe that from this day, days start getting longer and nights shorter, symbolized by the size of a sesame seed. Known as Maghe Sankranti, Makar Sankranti, or Tila Sankranti, the festival is celebrated on the first day of the Nepali month of Magh. Despite differences in rituals, all communities share the same beliefs and purpose, as explained by Pandit Badrinarayan Jha.

Manoj Majhi highlighted that Tila Sankranti is observed across the Tarai-Madhes region by the Mithila residents, Tharu, Batar, and other communities. A unique tradition involves parents feeding their children three mouthfuls of sesame seeds mixed with jaggery, symbolizing a promise to care for them in old age, shared Shantidevi.

Households prepare various dishes such as sesame seeds chunks, beaten rice, puffed rice, laddoos, and khichadi. These are offered to deities before being shared among family members. According to Ramkumari Devi, offerings to Goddess Bhagwati include vermilion, bangles, and sesame laddoos, while deities are presented with sweets, fruits, and khichadi.

Families donate items such as sesame laddoos, rice, black lentils, vegetables, ghee, curd, shoes, blankets, and umbrellas to the less fortunate. Pandit Jha noted that donating ghee and blankets on this day is believed to bring salvation.

Tila Sankranti also involves rituals for matchmaking and prosperity. Maithil women celebrate "Tusari" for eligible brides, while married women observe "Prithvi Parva" for prosperity. In the custom of "Jadawar", gifts like sesame seeds, beaten rice, and warm clothes are sent from the groom's family to the bride’s.

People begin daily morning baths during Magh, followed by meals of ghee and khichadi, as ancient texts suggest these practices promote health and warmth. Massages with sesame oil and lighting fires with sesame seeds are believed to prevent diseases and get rid of sins.

Tila Sankranti brings love, social harmony, and physical vitality. Sharing festival delicacies with neighbours strengthens bonds, while donations of grains, sesame seeds, and essentials promote goodwill.

Declared a national festival and public holiday in 2007, Tila Sankranti remains a cherished occasion in Nepal, celebrated with devotion and joy.