Chaku: An essential for Maghe Sankranti

Chaku, a sweet made from jaggery, sugarcane juice, ghee, and nuts, is considered essential to celebrate Maghe Sankranti. Joshi Chaku Factory, located in Tangal, Lalitpur, have been inundated with orders for the past three months. They have been working long hours, from four in the morning to eight in the evening.

Sixty years ago, Surya Das Joshi started the Joshi Chaku Factory. Today, he isn’t able to make chaku anymore but his family members are involved in the process and work at the factory. This is how they have been earning a living.

The factory employs eight people to make the chaku and another 30 to pack and deliver the product. The jaggery comes from Biratnagar in Morang and the chaku is supplied to stores in Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Banepa. “We make a nice profit only in the winter season,” says Surya Das.

Maghe Sankranti is a widely celebrated festival on the first day of the month of Magh. For the Tharu community, it rings in the new year. It also marks the end of the winter season. The festival brings warmer weather and longer days as the sun moves towards the northern hemisphere.

Chaku is consumed during winter as it gives strength and stamina. It also warms the body besides containing vitamin B and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and iron.