The Tharu community, especially those residing in the western regions of the country, celebrate Maghi with diverse cultural festivities. The festival has become even more special not just because of the rituals but also because of the culinary varieties prepared during this period. Maghi is also widely celebrated in the other western Tarai districts, including Bardiya, Nepalgunj, Kapilvastu, Rupandehi and western Nawalparasi. While the Tharu people in these districts observe Maghi in different ways, they all share a common love for this auspicious occasion.

In Bardiya of Lumbini Province, one can see relatives meeting each other and the return of faraway family members to their hometowns. The residents of this district gather to prepare a delicacy called jaad (alcohol), by cooking rice mixed with larva (jungle herb) and keeping it in an earthen pot. After a few days, the rice is stored in a clay pot. When covered outside with mud, this concoction becomes a drinkable syrup and can be consumed for months. According to Ekraj Chaudhary, a resident of Bardiya and worker in the Barghar organisation, “This syrup is one of the many essentials for the festivities of Maghi.” He mentions that, apart from this, people also eat traditional items like roti and dhikari, potatoes and pork meat on this day.

Tharu community of the region has celebrated the festival this way for centuries. On Poush 28 (this year, January 13), there is a regional tradition to gather around a waterbody and fish. On the following day, Poush 29 (this year, January 14), wild boars are hunted similarly. On the evening of Poush 29, at the barghar’s house (traditional Tharu leader), many men gather. Seated around a fire at the centre, they play the damphu (a kind of traditional drum) and sing dhumaru or damar and dance until around 4 in the morning. Afterwards, they head to the nearby pond, bathe, apply a white tika, seek blessings from the elders and return home. Then, they pack rice, lentils, and salt in three containers for their sisters in the house.

On Magh 1 (this year, January 15), the festival is observed by men, and on the 2nd, women take part. Men handle household chores on this day, while women visit their relatives and enjoy a festive meal.

In Bardiya, during Maghi celebrations, the first day is dedicated to men discussing various household matters. These discussions range from upcoming marriages and dividing the family’s wealth among brothers to planning agricultural activities for the coming year. According to Chaudhary, the tradition of making plans on the first day of Maghi covers a wide range of topics, from marriage discussions to assigning responsibilities for various tasks throughout the year.

As the month of Magh approaches, the village gathers for a meeting where representatives who have various roles in the community, such as the barghar, chaukidar (caretaker of the crops), lohar (blacksmith), chirkiya (temple caretaker responsible for lighting lamps) and guruwa (main priest), come together and discuss issues in the village.

According to Chaudhary, this year’s talks in Bardiya focus on initiatives against child marriage and polygamy. They also include measures like limiting gatherings to 25 people at the bride’s house and not recognising marriages with more than 52 attendees. Additionally, they address concerns like playing loud music after midnight during weddings and parties. Chaudhary explains, “These decisions aim to tackle various social issues within the community.”

In Kapilvastu district, Maghe Sankranti is celebrated differently. Umashankar Tharu, a central council member of Tharu Kalyankari Sabha, explains that in the eastern part of the district, Maghi is observed for one day, in the western region for two days, and in the interior areas for up to three days. On Poush 29, people in the district take an early morning bath, receive tika and start feasting on delicacies like himali dhikari, fish and traditional roti. They also invite their married daughters to celebrate these feasts, discussing the joys and sorrows of life.

In Rupandehi, the celebration of Maghi, also known as the Khichadi festival, has brought about some differences, as explained by Sarita Chaudhari, the secretary of Tharu Kalyankari Sabha in Rupandehi. She mentions that traditionally, in every village of the district, they used to play the manara-madal (traditional drums) and perform traditional dances. “However, now, these traditional dances are rarely seen outside special festivals,” she says.

Chaudhary further mentions that a week before Maghi’s arrival, people in Rupandehi begin preparations. For 13 days, every family member prepares and enjoys devouring special items like bhuja, tilko laddu, ghongi, fish and dhikari together.

The Tharu community in Dang has been busy for the past month, engaging in various activities like jungle hunts, making traditional plates from gathered leaves, crafting homemade liquors, enjoying fresh potatoes and more. In the evenings over the last five days, they’ve gathered around a fire in the courtyard, performing traditional Jhumaru dances. On the last day of Poush, just before Magh arrives, they prepare a feast with wild boar meat.

On Magh 1, men head to the water reservoirs for an early morning bath, while women prepare traditional dishes at home. Mangala Tharu, manager of Mukta Kamlahari Vikas Manch, explained that on Maghi, brothers pack rice, lentils and salt for their sisters, as a sign of their love, before enjoying food around the fire throughout the day.

“Even if we haven’t been able to adopt the traditional practices ourselves, it is important to pass on the culture that has been followed through generations to our descendants,” says Tharu, adding, “The current generation, involved in education and work, might find it challenging to fully engage in the cultural aspects of our family and dance traditions.” Therefore, it becomes imperative that the community teaches these customs to the younger generation.