Maghe Sankranti is the beginning of the holy month of Magh, usually the midof January. It brings an end to the ill-omened month of Poush (mid-December)when all religious ceremonies are forbidden. Even if it is considered the coldest day of the year, it marks the coming of warmer weather and better days of health and fortune. This day is said to be the most significant day for holy bathing despite the weather. This ritual usually takes place at the union of sacred rivers and streams. A common belief is that if you take bath early in the morning on this particular day with cold water, common diseases like fever,cough and cold would not infect the body. 

They pay homage to various deities and offer prayers. In addition to holy bathing and worship of shrines, certainauspicious foods like till laddoos (seasame seeds ball cakes), chaku(molasys), ghee (clarified butter), sweet potatoes, khichari (mixture of rice and lentils) and green leaf spinach are taken on this day. Families come together and share these delights. Married daughters and families are invited to parental homes for festivities and blessings. Yet another occasion to renew family ties. Many homes have pujas (religious ceremonies) conducted by priests with chantings from holy books, for which they receive alms. Like any other holy celebration Maghe Sankranti also has a legend of its own. It recalls that once a merchant from the town of Bhadgoan despite of his thriving business noticed that his supply of seasame seeds hadn't diminished. When looking into the matter he found an idol of the Lord Vishnu hidden deep beneath the seeds. Since, then on this day the Til Madhav idol is worshipped with the belief that god will continue to be generous in the supply of food and wealth on the Bhadgoan community. It's also the day commemorating the death of Viswapitama, the elderly grandfather of two families of Pandavas and Kauravas, between whom the famous battle of Mahabharata took place. He was determined not to die until the way to the region of gods opened. While lying on the bed of arrows he discovered words of wisdom on life and death. Eventually, through his free will he succumbed to death. Hence it's believed that those who die on this day go to heaven, released from the burden of rebirth. Maghe Sankranti, is yet another occasion which renews the faith of

Nepalese people in the heavenly powers is a small urban settlement upon the bank of the river Rangeet.

The Jorethang Maghey Mela is witnessing a consistent growth with a turnout of visitors on the rise since its inception, about five lakh people visited the Mela in Jan' 2006.Owing to economic planning of the State Government, its large employee pool and a rapid rise in the construction business in Sikkim, the purchasing power of thepeople has accrued over the years. Activities of non farm sectors like service and tourism also shown great promise and will certainly add to the economic well being and prosperity of this region in the near future. This festival is ripe with business and trade opportunities and can serve as a platform to give your business that much needed visibility. 

The fest is held every year sometimes in mid january.The duration for the rural fair could be as long as a week though it is subject to plans of the local mela committee.