Kirati woman with Bulaki

Kirati woman with Bulaki celebrating on Sakela Festival, Tudikhel, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2078

Kirati (Sunuwar, Rai, Limbu and Yakkha of Nepal ) people are nature worshippers, and they make up 3.1% of Nepal’s total population. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the most important festivals of Kiratis.

Ubhauli Parva is celebrated in Baisakh Purnima (Buddha Jayanti is also celebrated on this day). This day marks the migration phase of Kiratis towards the hilly regions on the arrival of the summer. On the day of Ubhauli, all the kirats worship mother nature, dress up in their traditional dresses, relish delicacies and perform a special dance called “Sakela (साकेला).” On this day, the Kirati people gather in Tudikhel, Kathmandu and share their joy and warm wishes.

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