KATHMANDU: Today marks the celebration of Udhauli, the second most significant festival for the Kirat community, observed with great enthusiasm across the country.
This festival, which begins on the full moon day of the Nepali month Mangshir, is a time for worshipping nature and ancestors before the harvest.
It also signifies the period when humans, animals, and birds descend from the highlands to the lowlands due to the cold weather.
The Kirat people gather in an organized manner to celebrate, exchanging well wishes with one another.
According to the Mundhum, the religious scripture of the Kirat community, time is divided into two phases—Udhauli and Ubhauli—based on agricultural activities.
Ubhauli is celebrated during the full moon of Nepali month Baisakh when planting takes place, while Udhauli is observed at harvest time.
Before consuming the harvested crops, they are offered to the ancestors. In addition to the Kirat community, the festival is also celebrated by the Limbu, Sunuwar, and Yakhya ethnic groups.
These groups gather in public spaces to perform traditional Sakela dances, wearing ethnic costumes.
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