Yashoda Upreti
Across Nepal today, festivities are underway for Saune Sankranti, a traditional observance marking the Sun’s entrance into the zodiac sign Cancer (Karkat) on the first day of the Nepali month Shrawan. This solar calendar-based festival signifies the official start of the monsoon season.
The day holds deep significance in Nepali culture. It’s believed to be the beginning of Dakshinayana, a period where the Sun traverses southward. Traditionally, both Uttarayan (Sun’s northward journey) and Dakshinayana are celebrated, with Saune Sankranti marking the latter.
While farming dominates Nepali life during the previous month (Ashad), Saune Sankranti offers a brief respite. It’s a time for bathing, making charitable donations, and family gatherings. Interestingly, a unique custom involves throwing mud on oneself, believed to cure skin ailments associated with the monsoon.
Another tradition observed, particularly on Luto Falne Din (the day of throwing Luto), involves worshipping the demon Kandarak. This involves offering him a variety of medicinal plants and fruits like kagbhalayo, kukurdino, lutejhar, pani amala, lemons, mangoes, and pears. Additionally, gongs are played, conch shells are blown, bells are rung, and doors are closed in accordance with local customs.
Saune Sankranti also coincides with the beginning of a period dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. The holy month of Shrawan is considered particularly auspicious for devotees of Shiva.
