Himalayan News Service

Pokhara, January 15

Thousands of pilgrims thronged Dhunge Sanghu, a religious site in Pokhara, on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti, today.

This time, the crowd here was comprised mostly of young people in jeans and T-shirts.

Many devotees were seen taking bath in the Seti Ganga while others flocked to Sitapaila and Sadashivaji Siddheshwor Harihar temples.

A karate competition was organised by Nepal Kyokusin Karate Do, Gandaki, during the fair. Several items of domestic use like doko, nanglo, sickle, spade and food products were on sale in the event. The fair at Dhunge Saanghu is popular for the trade of such agricultural tools and other essential items in the winter, when farmers are not busy in farming.

Dr Bishwakalyan Parajuli, a sociologist, said the people used to wait the fair with bated breath till a few years back. With the growth of media and entertainment industry, this fair has lost its significance to some extent. "With the change in time, the fair has also seen its share. The presence of numerous Indians this year is just one of the changes." Maghe Sankranti is considered the harbinger of spring. The temperature starts going up from this day, it is believed. According to astrologers, the sun enters the Capricorn region from this day.