At the Maghi Festival held in Birgunj, more people from other communities came to taste various Tharu dishes.
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Shaligram Prasad, a lawyer from Birgunj, wanted to taste snail dishes during the Maghi festival.
But on Thursday, when his wish was not fulfilled, he was in a state of shock. ‘Why is there no snail dish at the festival this year,’ he said, ‘Without snail dishes, the Maghi festival would be boring.’
Artist Munna Saraf also complained in the same way. ‘We usually get to taste snail dishes in Birgunj only during the Maghi festival,’ he said, ‘but this year we were deprived of that opportunity.’
Maghi festival in Birgunj Main event More people from other communities came to taste various Tharu dishes at the Maghi festival organized by the committee. ‘I look forward to this festival all year round,’ says local Bishwaraj Gautam, ‘Here, not only do I get the opportunity to taste Tharu dishes, but I also get to observe Tharu art and culture up close.’
On the occasion of Maghe Sankranti, the Maghi Festival was organized in Birgunj on Thursday at Khichdi and the swimming pool complex in Birgunj. Various dishes of crab, fish, pigeon, and duck are served at the festival. Students from various schools have also presented Tharu dance and art culture at the Maghi Festival.
Local Saroj Chaudhary said that the Maghi Festival has been celebrated in the district for a decade. ‘Initially, we organized the Maghi Festival in Birgunj,’ he said, ‘Gradually, the Maghi Festival started being celebrated in the Tharu-dominated areas in the rural areas as well.’ The Maghi Festival has been organized not only in Birgunj but also in the rural areas of the district.
Tharu leader and activist Prakash Tharu said that there has been a shortage in Birgunj this year after the police did not allow people from India to enter through the Ghonghi border.
He said that the Maghi festival has been making a positive contribution to promoting Tharu culture, language, literature and identity. He said that the festival also plays a role in exchanging greetings for Tharu Sambat 2650 at one place and expanding brotherhood. He said that in the past few years, not only Tharus but also other communities have started participating in the Maghi festival, making it more inclusive.
