Udhauli
Udhauli (उधौली) 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 downwards towards the low-altitude regions when the winter season arrives. The migration from the low-altitude areas upwards to hilly areas is called Ubhauli (upwards), which is also an annual festival of these communities.[1] On the Udhauli festival day, the Kirat people offer thanks to mother nature for providing a good harvest.
| Udhauli | |
|---|---|
 Udhauli celebration by Sunuwar people | |
| Observed by | Kirat communities |
| Type | Kirat festival |
| Observances | Prayers and religious rituals |
| Date | November-December (lunar calendar) |
| Frequency | Annual |
Udhauli festival is celebrated by all Kirat people. It is believed that from this day the winter season starts. So people, birds and animal migrate from cold regions to warmer regions. The Kirat people perform a special kind of dance called Sakela in this festival playing various musical instruments like Dhol, Jhyamta, etc. The Kirat women wear chhit ko guneu (a dress made from a specially patterned cloth) on this festival. This event of the Kirat people has also been stated in the Mundhum (holy book of the Kirat people).[2]
See also
References
- "Udhauli Festival, December 02". www.nepaltravelnews.com.
- "Udhauli and Ubhauli festivals". The Himalayan Times. December 9, 2015.