Significance of the great festival Ubhauli
Significance of the great festival Ubhauli
Ubhauli (उभौली) is a festival celebrated by the Kirat communities of Sunuwar, Rai, Limbu, and Yakkha in Nepal, India, and around the world. Let’s explore more about this vibrant festival:
Sunuwar People celebrating Folsyandar |
Ubhauli Festival:
- Significance: Ubhauli marks the start of the summer season for these indigenous communities.
- Migration Theme: During Ubhauli, the Kirat people celebrate the migration phase as they move upwards towards the hilly regions when summer arrives.
- Prayers and Rituals: On this day, Kirat individuals pray to Mother Nature for healthy crops and protection from natural calamities throughout the year
- Sakela Dance: The festival is accompanied by the lively Sakela dance, which is performed during the celebrations
Udhauli Festival:
- Complementary Festival: The migration from hills downwards to lower-altitude areas is called Udhauli (meaning “downwards”). Udhauli is also an annual festival celebrated by the same Kirat communities
- Participating Communities: Udhauli is specially celebrated by Sunuwar, Limbu, Thami, Yakkha, Khambu Rai, and other Kirati people residing in Nepal, India, and various countries worldwide.
These festivals are not only a celebration of nature and seasons but also a way to honor cultural heritage and community bonds.
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