KATHMANDU: The Magar community has celebrated the Maghe Shakranti festival by organizing various cultural programmes across the country today.

The Magar people exchanged greetings and conducted cultural programmes at Tundikhel, Kathmandu on this occasion. In the celebration organized by Nepal Magar Association Central Committee, cultural pageants, traditional sports and costumes, and display and sales of ethnic cuisine were the attractions.

Association’s Chairman Gyanendra Punmagar informed that once the Maghe Shakranti was given recognition with a public holiday, it has gained importance of national festival, especially after the country adopted republic system. He added that celebration of the festival would contribute to protection and promotion of Magar people’s cultural identity and strengthening of the social harmony and human rights.

Even the rituals worshipping ancestors are performed by this community on this occasion.

Even a morning rally along with pageants was held from Shantibatika to Tundikhel, Kathmandu. The indigenous Magar people living in the federal capital, coming from various parts of the country, joined the celebration.