Udhauli and Ubhauli Parwa

Members of the Kirat community dressed in traditional attires perform a Sakela Silli dance on the special occasion of the Ubhauli festival, at Tundikhel in Kathmandu

The festivals “Udhauli and Ubhauli” are especially celebrated by the Kirat community. These two festivals are celebrated in the summer and winter seasons of every year. The festival Udhauli is celebrated in the month of Mangsir and the festival Ubhauli is celebrated in the month of Baisakh.

The Kirats celebrate the Udhauli festival to express their gratitude towards nature for delivering them a good harvest. On this specific day, the locals organize various festivals and celebrate together with their friends and families. Sakela dance is performed on this very special occasion so basically, this festival is also known as Sakela Udhauli. The exact day to celebrate the Sakela Udhauli festival is on Mangsir Purnima occasionally the eight-month full moon day. The local Kirat community performs a Sakela dance on the special occasion of the Udhauli festival by dressing in traditional attire at Tundikhel in Kathmandu.

The Ubhauli festival, another main festival for the Kirat community falls on the full moon day of Baisakh. It is believed that this festival marks the start of the agricultural season and the beginning of summer. During the festival of Ubhauli, the migration starts while moving upward. Moreover, the Kiratis maintain their heritage and observe Udhauli and Ubhauli as their main festival wherever they live. The Kirat community celebrates this festival full of joy and happiness by welcoming all of their friends and families. In particular, this festival often relays important messages while attracting the participants.