Ubhauli Explained

Holiday Name:Ubhauli
Nickname:Sakela
Observedby:Kirat communities
Longtype:Kirat festival
Date:April–May (lunar calendar)
Frequency:Annual
Observances:Prayers and religious rituals

Ubhauli (उभौली) is festival of the Kirat communities of Sunuwar, Rai, Limbu and Yakkha of Nepal, India and around the world by Kirati people celebrated every year marking the migration phase upwards towards the hilly regions when the summer season arrives.[1] The migration from hills downwards to areas of lower altitude is called Udhauli (downwards), which is also an annual festival of these communities.[2] Sakela is the dance performed during the festival.[3] [4] On this Ubhauli festival day, the Kirat people pray to mother nature for healthy crops and protection from natural calamities in that year.[5]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Rai . Anu . February 2023 . Environment and Culture: Adaptations that have Shaped Nepal . Unity Journal . IV . 10.3126/unityj.v4i01.52231 . 70–81.
  2. Web site: Kirants celebrate Ubhauli. 14 May 2009. The Himalayan Times.
  3. Web site: Udhauli Festival, December 02 . Nepal Travel News.
  4. News: The biggest festival of Kirats . Durga Maya Rai . 13 December 2016 . The Kathmandu Post .
  5. News: Kirat community observes Ubhauli Sakela fest (In pictures) . Milan Adhikari . 10 May 2017 . The Kathmandu Post .