Chaku: A sweet tradition

At his courtyard in Ihbahal, Krishna Maharjan, 55, is busy preparing molasses ahead of the upcoming Maghe Sankranti festival. For decades, he has been giving continuity to this traditional practice, preserving a cherished custom of his community.

Maghe Sankranti, a vibrant festival celebrated across Nepal, marks the beginning of the winter solstice and the transition of the sun into Capricorn. The day holds immense cultural and spiritual significance, particularly among the Hindu and Buddhist communities of the Tarai and hilly regions. It’s a time marked by family gatherings, feasts, and rituals symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.

One of the festival’s most anticipated aspects is the preparation of ‘chaku’, a traditional sweet made from molasses, sesame seeds, and ghee. The sweet is known for its rich taste and high nutritional value. It’s often consumed alongside ‘til’ (sesame seeds) and ‘gud’ (jaggery) during Maghe Sankranti. 

The process of making chaku involves boiling sugarcane juice to extract molasses, which is then carefully heated and mixed with sesame seeds and ghee. The mixture is poured onto a flat surface to cool, then cut into small pieces.

Although the results are sweet, the process of making molasses is long and labor-intensive.

“Not many people have the time to make it themselves. You need a lot of patience for it. It’s becoming difficult to find the skill required to prepare the treat,” says Maharjan. “This occupation is not just a business but also a traditional and cultural heritage,” he adds. According to him, this is the only chaku-making establishment in Lalitpur Metropolitan City. “As this tradition is on the verge of extinction, everyone should work to promote and preserve it, as it is an integral part of our culture.”

Maghe Sankranti is also a time for ritual baths, temple visits, and prayers for health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. As families celebrate, the air fills with the sweet aroma of freshly made molasses, making the festival a joyful occasion for all.