What are the Ubhauli and Udhauli Festivals?

The word “Kiranti” means the “People of Mountain”. Geographically speaking, Kiranti people are native to the northeastern hilly regions of Nepal. They are well-known all over Nepal for the richness and uniqueness of their culture and traditions, most of which relate closely to nature. Ubhauli and Udhauli are an integral part of this. They are the two main festivals of the Kirants. These festivals are mentioned in Mundhum, which is considered to be the main scripture of Kirants. Each of the two festivals marks a new season according to Kirant culture. “Ubhauli” falls on Baisakh Purnima of Summer and “Udhauli” on Mangsir Purnima of the winter. Both of these festivals are interlinked with each other and are celebrated with great joy by the Kirants all over Nepal.

What do the words “Ubhauli” and “Udhauli” mean?

The term “ubho” in Kiranti, and even in Nepali daily language refers to “up”, whereas the term “udho” means “down”. “Auli” refers to “pointing in a certain direction”. Thus, “Ubhauli” which combines Ubho and Auli means “upward”, and “Udhauli” means “downward”. In the summer season, animals like birds, fishes, insects, etc migrate to upward land to escape the heat and in the winter season, they migrate to plain areas and rivers to save themselves from the cold. It is believed that ancient Kirantis during the starting period of the agricultural age, used this as a sign of a change in the seasons. Different agricultural works were done on basis of these signs. Gradually, this implanted a traditional value, and the start of summer was celebrated as Ubhauli, as the animals move up, while the start of winter was celebrated as Udhauli, as the animals migrate downward. The celebration of these festivals includes agricultural practices, religious practices as well as celebrations including the famous Sakela dance.

How are they celebrated?

“Ubhauli” marks the onset of summer and people worship nature, especially the land for providing food for them. Kiranti people also believe that sowing the seeds for crops during this time is fruitful. In the same way, “Udhauli” marks the end of summer and the beginning of winter. Around this time, people are busy harvesting their crops. They do so in order to store the crops for a long winter. 

The day starts off with cleaning their houses and surroundings. Chula puja is done in a fireplace exclusively for their ancestors. Then the Earth and serpent ( which are regarded as the King and Queen) are worshiped, and a chicken is sacrificed in the Sakela thaan, which is usually located under a sacred tree. The puja is carried out by Nakchong, a Kirant Priest. Ginger, pig, alcohol, raw rice, banana leaf, and incense stick are also important ingredients for the offerings. The completion of the ceremony is marked by the dance of Naakchong. Following him, people of all ages start dancing. The dance is known as Sakela nach. It is accompanied by the music of Jhyali and Dhol, and the participants are adorned in their traditional cultural attires and accessories. Fairs and feasts are set up, and the gathering of these on the occasions of festivals is mandatorily carried out to continue the authentic values and maintain good relationships with their kind.