Singh Sankranti/Walke Parwa

Simha Sakranti: Solar transition from one zodiac to another- First day of Bhadra
What is a Sakranti?
The solar transition from one zodiac sign to another is called Sakranti, simply let's consider this as the first date of a lunar month. Simha Sakranti is one among 12 Sankranti's of a year, Simha is a transition of the sun from Karka (Cancer) to Leo (Simha). So the destination zodiac gives it a name, Simha Sakranti.

Importance of Simha Sakranti
Now, with a month of unstoppable rain, cool and extra humid begins with Bhadrapada, the heat is about to begin. Sun's heat and average coolness will signal the arrival of the Dashain, and with the unique blue and clear skies opening smiles shall prevail.

May the sun and moon always guide us on the right path and the unique blend of hard work and luck always remain in our lives, good day.

Walke
A Philosophical Feast
The background of this folk festival celebrated in the Far West is related to the eternal truths of human life. Bishu Parva is celebrated as a festival to combat the fear of death in the heat and drought of Baisakh. In contrast, Walke Parva is celebrated in Bhadra Sankranti to celebrate the end of rains and floods. This is a philosophical full stop to the odds of rain and adversities for this year.

How is the Walke festival celebrated?
Walke festival is celebrated for 2 days in Shravan Masanta and Vadau Sankranti. It is customary to eat sweets at home on the day of Mashanta and on the next day to distribute sweets and homegrown vegetables and goodies such as green leaves of Pindalu, milk, and curd to the neighbors as Sagun. Sagun refers to auspicious gifts. During the Walke festival, people pick the leaves of the Bhangeri flower plant a month before and grind them in silauta and paint them on the palms and toes. It is believed that the body painted in this way will not get dermatological diseases. On the day of Sankranti, locals invite married daughters to their homes and prepare and eat local dishes such as lawn (puri), bawar (sel), mana made of rice flour, nisouse, gatani, dipki, and other delicious local dishes. Not just confined to the far west, it is a national festival and our best wishes.

Suyog Dhakal