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]
| Ubhauli | |
|---|---|
 Ubhauli celebration by Kirat people | |
| Also called | Sakela |
| Observed by | Kirat communities |
| Type | Kirat festival |
| Observances | Prayers and religious rituals |
| Date | April–May (lunar calendar) |
| Frequency | Annual |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Rai, Anu (February 2023). "Environment and Culture: Adaptations that have Shaped Nepal" (PDF). Unity Journal. IV: 70–81. doi:10.3126/unityj.v4i01.52231.
- ^ "Kirants celebrate Ubhauli". The Himalayan Times. 14 May 2009.
- ^ "Udhauli Festival, December 02". Nepal Travel News.
- ^ Durga Maya Rai (13 December 2016). "The biggest festival of Kirats". The Kathmandu Post.
- ^ Milan Adhikari (10 May 2017). "Kirat community observes Ubhauli Sakela fest (In pictures)". The Kathmandu Post.