Editorial photo #13158394 Economy, Business and Finance
Molasses (Chaku) Production Ahead Of Maghe Sakranti In Nepal
A worker spins molasses (chaku) at a confectionery factory in Lalitpur, Nepal, on January 5, 2026, ahead of Maghe Sakranti, the first day of the 10th month according to the Lunar calendar. Chaku, made from concentrated sugarcane juice, jaggery, ghee, and nuts, is traditionally consumed during the festival. The production process involves melting jaggery, continuously stirring it, cooling it in clay pots, and then whipping, slapping, and stretching the mixture until it turns dark brown. The confectionery is finally weighed, topped with nuts, and packaged, taking about two to three hours to complete. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto)