KATHMANDU, Jan 10: With a drop in the mercury and arrival of Maghe Sankranti, the demand for molasses has skyrocketed. The entire town of Tokha is now full with the aroma of molasses as businesses go round the clock preparing it to meet the rising demand.

Nepalis celebrate Maghe Sakranti (first day of Magh) by consuming different tuber crops mainly yam and sweet potato. They did so this year too. Normally, people boil the yams in the evening of the last day of Poush and relish them the next morning with ghee and chaku. Generally, sesame seed Laddus, molasses, ghee, sweet potatoes and yam are included in the menu. It is widely believed that the boiled yams taken on the morning of Maghe Sakranti staves off cold-related ailments. People in Kathmandu also celebrate this festival with delicacies made from yam, ghee and chaku. That is why mountains of yams are seen in Kalimati and Balkhu wholesale markets every year during Maghe Sakranti. It has also a cultural and religious importance in Nepali society.

KATHMANDU, Jan 15: The Maghe or Makar Sankranti is being observed throughout the country today by taking holy dips in rivers and ponds, worshiping at various temples and savoring various delicacies like ghee, yam, khichadi and sweets like Chaku and sweets made of sesame and molasses.

KAILALI, Jan 15: The last day of the Nepali month of Poush (14 Jan this year) is considered the new year eve by the Tharu community. The eve is celebrated with a great fanfare and liquor holds special value during the occasion. From offering to the gods to welcoming guests, "nothing can be done without liquor." While the preparations for the festival of Maghi which is marked on the first day of the month of Magh (which arrives after Poush) are underway, Tharu people in Kailali have been celebrating the eve with no less fervor.

POKHARA, Jan 10: Gandaki Provincial Government has announced a public holiday on Maghe Sakranti, the first day of Nepali month of Magh that falls on January 15 this year.