Tharu Communities Across Nepal Gear Up for Maghi Festival

As the Maghi festival approaches, Tharu settlements across Nepal’s Terai belt are abuzz with activity, cultural programs and festive preparations.

The Indigenous Tharu community celebrates Maghi as their New Year, marking the beginning of the Tharu Samvat 2649.

Maghi falls on Magh 1 of the Nepali calendar which usually falls on January 15.

From Banke, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Bardiya, Dang and beyond, villages are alive with the rhythmic beats of Maghauta dances, Dhamar and Dhumru songs, as community members engage in long-standing traditions.

Courtyards are cleaned, new clothes are laid out, and families prepare traditional dishes including Dhikri, ghongi (snails), fish, pork and homemade liquor, filling homes with festive aromas.

Preparations often begin fifteen days in advance, reflecting the cultural importance of this festival.

Beyond the celebrations, Maghi holds social and cultural significance.

Community members plan the year’s agricultural, social, and economic activities during this time, setting goals and arranging for the months ahead.

A key ritual involves the selection of the village head, known locally as Mahatawa, who oversees local governance, dispute resolution, and social order.

According to community leaders, these practices strengthen cultural identity and foster unity within the Tharu community.