As the Maghe Sankranti festival approaches, the buying and selling of yam and other root vegetables has increased significantly in vegetable markets across the Kathmandu Valley.
Maghe Sankranti, celebrated on the first day of the month of Magh, traditionally involves consuming root vegetables such as yam, sweet potato, and taro as special festive foods. Due to this custom, demand for these items has surged in the market.
According to the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market Development Board, the supply of yam to Kathmandu has intensified in recent days, with large quantities arriving from districts including Sarlahi, Dhading, Nuwakot, and Sindhupalchok. Currently, various varieties of yam are available in the market, including wild yam, cultivated yam, simal yam, hattipaile yam, and patle yam.
Traders say that although overall demand for yam has slightly declined this year due to youth migration abroad and an increase in diabetes patients in households, sales have picked up noticeably as the festival draws closer. Consumers are seen actively purchasing different varieties of yam according to their preferences.
During Maghe Sankranti, it is customary to eat boiled or roasted yam along with ghee, chaku, and sesame laddus. These foods are believed to provide warmth during winter and offer health benefits.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway in Bahundangi of Jhapa to organize an international yam festival on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti. As the festival nears, markets are becoming livelier with yam trade, and enthusiasm among consumers is also growing.
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