Ghyah-Chāku Salhu (Nepali: माघ संक्रान्ति [/ģĥjɔ-ʧɑkʊ. sɜlhʊ/] Nepal Bhasa: घ्यो-चाकु सल्हु) is celebrated on the first of Māgha (mid-January). In Nepal Bhāsā, Salhu typifies the first day of month, and what make the beginning of this month so special than other months every year are the festivity part as well as the marking of warmer weather – the gradual increase in the length of day and shortness in night. The day also marks the shift of the sun into Makara rāshi (Capricorn) on its astronomic path. So, it is also known as Makara Sankrānti.

The sun is believed to move apparently in the northernmost extremes leaving the southernmost extremes on this day. This is referred as Uttarāyanā, the excursion of the sun to the northward region from Dakshināyanā, southward region. Uttarāyanā is also called as Devayanā, and the Dakshināyanā’ is called Pitrāyanā. This is why, Makara Sankrānti is considered as the beginning of the day of enlightenment, prosperity, and restoration of health. Continue reading “Ghyah-Chāku Salhu (Māgha Sankrānti)”