Today, the Kirati community is joyously celebrating the Sisekpa Tangnam festival in honor of Saune Sankranti. This traditional festival, observed across various regions of eastern Nepal, pays homage to their revered deity by offering freshly harvested fruits and flowers, which are placed on bamboo trays hung above doorways.
Indira Manyangbo, President of Yakthung Chumlung, explained that families come together to prepare meals using locally sourced grains, fruits, and vegetables, creating a festive atmosphere in their homes. Saroj Kangliva, district secretary of Kirat Yakthung Chumlung, added that in the evening, villagers gather at community centers to enjoy sweet and savory delicacies, followed by traditional dances accompanied by thal, jhyamta, nanglo, and dhols.
Children and youths chant traditional verses like “Sankranti Jau, Mankranti Aau, Anikali Jau, Sahakali Aau,” reflecting on the festival’s significance in mitigating past sorrows and hardships. They also express hopes for peace and stability amidst the social and cultural challenges prevalent in their communities.
From ancient times, various indigenous communities such as the Limbu, Rai, Tharu of the Terai, Magar, and Gurung of the west have celebrated Saune Sankranti as Sisekpa Tanam, marking it as a grand festival. Yakthung Chumlung also celebrates Kakfekwa Tanam (Maghe Sankranti) similarly.
In Pathibhara, Taplejung, the collection of offerings exceeded Rs. 2 million in the past month alone. The Pathibhara Area Development Committee reported that devotees who visit the temple, situated at an elevation of 3,794 meters, contributed generously during their pilgrimage. Executive Director Prajin Hangbang mentioned that collections are meticulously counted and publicly disclosed every month. Pathibhara’s temple attracts over 231,334 pilgrims annually, with collections reaching Rs. 2,031,394 in the fiscal year 2081/82.
