- Categories:
- Cultural
- Tags:
- Historical
- Where:
- Nepal
- Date change rule:
- Every July 16
- Holiday emoji:
- 🇳🇵
Saune Sankranti marks the beginning of the Nepali month of Saun every July 16. This cultural observance ushers in the monsoon season, a vital period for agriculture and a time for traditional cleansing rituals. Join in the festivities, explore local customs, and appreciate Nepal’s rich heritage.
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Expected Saune Sankranti Deals
As a deeply cultural and traditional observance, Saune Sankranti focuses less on commercial deals and more on community and spiritual practices. However, local markets and artisan shops may see increased activity as people prepare for rituals and family gatherings. Businesses specializing in traditional Nepali clothing, organic produce, and herbal remedies might experience a boost. Look for special offerings from local eateries featuring seasonal dishes. We will update this page with confirmed live cultural events and local market highlights as July 16 approaches.
Platform Guide for Saune Sankranti
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SauneSankranti. Share vibrant photos of traditional attire, monsoon landscapes, or festive preparations.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SauneSankranti. Post about family traditions, local celebrations, or the cultural significance of the day.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #SauneSankranti. Share interesting facts about Nepali culture, the monsoon season, or the historical context of the observance.
Saune Sankranti Hero
Prithvi Narayan Shah
History of Saune Sankranti
On Saune Sankranti, the first day of the month of Shrawan, Hindu worshippers flock to Shiva temples to do special pujas. The main ritual on this day is Shiva Abhishekam (Palabhishekam). The sun enters the sign of Cancer on Shrawan Sankranti. Worshiping Lord Shiva is considered important during Shrawan. Shrawan, according to Nepalese custom, is the month of cleaning and eradicating dirt. Nepalese people worship and beat ‘Nonglo’ massive bamboo plates to cure diseases such as eczema.
Nepalese have a practice of calling married daughters in their hometowns. And they are served a variety of delectable foods and desserts. Married ladies wear a symbol of good fortune (green and yellow bangles, garments, etc.) throughout the month.
The mythology has it that Samudra Manthan (the churning of the oceans) occurred in the month of Shravan. During the Samudra Manthan, 14 different sorts of rubies appeared, 13 of which were distributed among the demons, leaving one type known as Halahal (poison). Lord Shiva arrived to save the day, drank the Halahal, and stored it in his neck. His throat turned blue as a result of the poison, gaining him the moniker ‘Neelkantha’ (meaning ‘blue throat’). Lord Shiva donned the crescent moon on his head to lessen the potency of the poison. Following that, all the Gods began to offer Ganges water to Lord Shiva to mitigate the effects of poison.
Since then, Shiva worshipers have offered Ganges water at Shrawan in the hope of gaining a large amount of Punya. During Shrawan, devotees can do the following: ‘Rudrabhisheks’ Fasting on Mondays; wearing Rudraksha, and reciting Shiva Chalisa and Aarti.
Saune Sankranti timeline
Hinduism starts in India's Indus Valley some 4,000 years ago, and from there it expands over the Asian continent, eventually reaching Nepal.
According to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, the deity known as Pashupati earned an immense reputation, and the existence of the Pashupatinath Temple can be traced back to this year.
The Vaishnavism grouping is the largest, accounting for 641 million Hindus with 67.6%.
According to the census, Nepal's Hindu population is expected to be around 21,551,492, accounting for at least 81.34% of the country's population.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Saune Sankranti
Local businesses in Nepal can honor Saune Sankranti by offering traditional seasonal goods, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and specific herbal remedies associated with the monsoon season. Restaurants can feature special menus with local dishes traditionally consumed during this time. Craft shops can highlight items used in cleansing rituals or home decorations. Businesses can also host small cultural events or educational workshops about the significance of the day, fostering community spirit and cultural appreciation.
Saune Sankranti FAQs
When is Saune Sankranti?
Saune Sankranti 2026 falls on Thursday, July 16. This day marks the official start of the month of Saun in the Nepali calendar, ushering in the peak monsoon season.
What is the significance of Saune Sankranti?
Saune Sankranti holds deep cultural and agricultural significance in Nepal, marking the transition from the hot pre-monsoon season to the full monsoon. It’s a time for traditional cleansing rituals, known as ‘Luto Fagne,’ to ward off skin diseases and misfortunes believed to be prevalent during the rainy season.
How is Saune Sankranti celebrated across Nepal?
Across Nepal, Saune Sankranti is celebrated with diverse regional customs. Common practices include taking a holy bath in rivers or ponds, visiting temples, and performing the ‘Luto Fagne’ ritual where people hang thorny branches and old brooms outside their homes to symbolically drive away skin ailments and negative energies.
What traditions are associated with Saune Sankranti?
Key traditions include the ‘Luto Fagne’ ritual to cleanse the body and home, believed to protect against skin diseases during the humid monsoon. People also consume specific seasonal foods, such as ‘kwati’ (a soup of nine sprouted beans), which are thought to boost immunity.
How to Observe Saune Sankranti
Visit the Shiva temple
Nepalese will visit the temple from the beginning of Shrawan and Sankranti. Women and girls will wear green clothes and bangles and apply ‘Mehendi’ on their palms.
Take a dip in one of the rivers
One of the traditions for Saune Sankranti is to take a dip in one of the rivers to eliminate probable skin diseases. Because the month is associated with agriculture, many people are afflicted with skin problems.
Blow a conch
People, particularly farmers, celebrate this event by blowing on a conch, hitting Nanglo, and ringing bells, as is customary. This is one of the notions that celebrating will aid in the removal of scabies.
5 Interesting Cultural Facts About Nepal
The Swastika and Star of David
Both are important Hindu symbols among the Nepalese.
Mandalas in every corner
Mandalas are a spiritual emblem of both Hinduism and Buddhism that is used for meditation and are usually printed on cloth or paper.
All-day meal
The Dhal Bath is flavorful, spicy, and most importantly, satisfying and nutritious, and is eaten several times a day.
Living in the future
Nepal follows the lunar calendar and the solar sidereal year, hence they are 57 years ahead of us.
The stupa
The stupa is made up of a dome that represents the universe and a cubical structure that has Buddha eyes painted on all four sides.
Why Saune Sankranti is Important
We honor Nepalese culture
Nepal has a long and illustrious cultural past. We can’t wait to hear more about it and celebrate.
We study history
The tradition dates back a long time. As we celebrate, we learn more about Nepal’s past.
It brings you clear skin
Because the Saune Sankranti tradition is a day of curing, most individuals will apply medicinal products to their bodies. Who doesn’t love healthy skin?
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