Kirat Community Celebrates Udhauli Festival with Reverence to Ancestors and Nature

Today, the Kirat community is celebrating the Udhauli festival on the full moon day of Margashirsha Shukla, a deeply significant occasion that honors both their ancestors and the natural world. Known for its rich cultural diversity, the Kirat community observes Udhauli with various regional traditions, each adding a unique flavor to the festival.

For the Yakhas, the festival is marked by the celebration of ‘Chasuwa’, while the Sunuwars observe ‘Pholsayadar’, the Rais participate in ‘Udhauli Sakela’, and the Limbu people take part in ‘Chasok Tangnam’. Despite the differing names, all these groups come together under the collective celebration of Udhauli, a time to pay homage to their roots and the bounties of nature.

Kirtikumar Dumi Rai, a respected researcher of Kirat culture, highlights that although each ethnic group within the Kirat community has its distinct traditions for the festival, the underlying essence remains the same — to honor the harvest, the ancestors, and the forces of nature that sustain life.
The Udhauli festival is a symbol of unity and respect for nature, where various rituals are performed to express gratitude and seek blessings for prosperity. This vibrant celebration brings together family and community, fostering a deeper connection to the land, the past, and the spirit of togetherness.