Udhauli

Among the various festivals celebrated in Nepali culture, the Udhauli festival of the Kirat community holds a unique position. Celebrated every year on Mangsir Purnima (Full Moon of Mangsir), this festival is associated with seasonal change, the worship of nature, and the joy of harvesting crops.

The Meaning and Background of Udhauli

The word ‘Udhauli’ (उँधौली) signifies the seasonal migration or movement ‘udho’ (उधो), meaning downwards or towards the lowlands (Besi). With the arrival of winter, the process of humans, birds, and animals migrating from the cool highlands (Lek) to the warmer lowlands in search of warmth is called Udhauli. Conversely, the time when they move back up to the highlands in the summer is called ‘Ubhauli’ (उभौली). According to the Mundhum (the religious scripture of the Kirat community), these two festivals mark the two main phases of the year, reflecting the cycle of life and agriculture.

Worship of New Grains and the Earth

The Udhauli festival is specially regarded as the celebration of bringing in the new harvest. On this occasion, the Kirat community reverently worships Nature (Mother Earth/Bhoomi Mata) and their ancestors (Pitru) for providing a good harvest throughout the year. There is a traditional belief that the newly harvested grain (Nwaagi) should not be consumed before it is offered through worship. This ritual highlights the unbreakable bond between humans and nature and underscores the importance of agriculture.

The Charm of Sakela/Sili Dance

The most significant aspect of the Udhauli festival is the collective Sakela (Sili) dance. This festival is celebrated by different Kirat groups with their own names: the Limbus call it Chasok Tangnam, the Sunuwars call it Folsyandar, and the Yakhas call it Chasuwa.

Participants adorned in traditional ornaments and attire gather in a circle and perform the dance to the rhythm of drums (dhol) and cymbals (jhyamta). The dance involves acting out agricultural activities (sowing seeds, weeding) and the gestures of animals, a process known as ‘Sili Tipnu’ (picking the Sili). This dance serves as a medium for social unity, harmony, and intergenerational transfer of culture.

Social Gathering and Harmony

The Udhauli festival is not limited to religious rituals; it is also a festival of family reunion and social harmony. Relatives and friends who live far away gather together on this occasion, exchange greetings, and share their joys and sorrows. This helps to strengthen mutual brotherhood and community ties.

In conclusion, the Udhauli festival keeps the original culture, agricultural lifestyle, and environmental awareness of the Kirat community alive. It is a symbol of our duty towards nature, respect for our ancestors, and human unity.