KATHMANDU: On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, fairs have commenced at various places in the country, especially at river banks and confluences of holy sites, from the early morning today.

On this day, a large number of devotees have congregated on the banks of Kankai River in Jhapa to take a holy dip into the rivers known as the Makar Snan.

Taking holy bath in the river early in the morning on the day of Maghe Sankranti - the first day of the Nepali month of Magh as per the lunar calendar - is considered sacred according to the Hindu belief.

Similarly, people from Morang, Sunsari, Ilam, Siraha, Saptari districts besides Jhapa, as well as devotees from various places of India come to Kankai river for the Makar Snan.

Like every year in Maghe Sankranti, this year too a big religious fair has been organised on the banks of Kankai at Maidhar.

Thousands of people will come to the fair to take the holy dip and to purchase various goods in the open bazaar, enjoying the religious and cultural performances that will be organised as part of the fair.

Security has been beefed up and CC cameras installed at 33 locations in view of the fair, according to the district authorities.

Similarly, in Gulmi, a fair has started at the pilgrimage site of Ridi from today on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti. Ridi lies in Ruru area which is a tri-junction of Gulmi, Palpa and Syangja districts.

The fair lasts for three days and the bank of Kaligandaki river at the place has been cleaned; facilities have been put in place for the pilgrims to take the holy bath in the river, the Ruru Area Development Committee has stated.

In Devghat of Chitwan district, a big religious fair has started on the occasion with thousands of people thronging Devghatdham for taking the holy dip and observing the Maghe Sankranti rituals.