Udhauli and Ubhauli Festival of Rai and Limbu: Celebrating Nature, Ancestry, and Culture

Synopsis: Udhauli and Ubhauli are sacred festivals of Nepal’s Kirant communities, especially the Rai and Limbu. Celebrated in spring and winter, these festivals honor ancestral traditions, nature, and agricultural cycles. Rooted in mythology, they feature rituals led by priests, communal feasting, and the iconic Sakela dance. These vibrant events strengthen community bonds, preserve cultural identity, and celebrate harmony with the earth. More than seasonal markers, they are living expressions of gratitude, spirituality, and indigenous resilience. (alert-success)

Ubhauli-Sakela-Dance in -Dharan

In the heart of Nepal's eastern hills and beyond, the indigenous Kirant communities—especially the Rai and Limbu—celebrate two of their most profound and sacred festivals: Udhauli and Ubhauli. 

These festivals are not just seasonal markers, but living traditions that honor nature, ancestors, and the cycle of life. Steeped in ancient mythology, vibrant rituals, and deep social values, Udhauli and Ubhauli are powerful reminders of the Kirant people’s harmonious relationship with the earth.

Whether you’re curious about Nepalese culture or looking to explore unique indigenous traditions, this article will guide you through the mythological origins, cultural significance, and ritual practices of these fascinating festivals.

What Are Udhauli and Ubhauli?

Udhauli and Ubhauli are annual festivals observed by the Kirant communities, primarily the Rai and Limbu people of Nepal. 

The word "Udhauli" means "downward migration," while "Ubhauli" means "upward migration."

Ubhauli is celebrated in the spring (around April-May) when people symbolically move upward to the hills for planting and agricultural activities.

Udhauli falls in late autumn or early winter (around November-December) when people and livestock symbolically migrate downward to lower altitudes to avoid the harsh mountain winters.

These movements are symbolic today, but they are rooted in ancient transhumance lifestyles that mirrored nature’s rhythm.

Mythological Origins of Udhauli and Ubhauli

According to Kirant mythology, these festivals are closely tied to the worship of nature spirits and ancestors, primarily Paruhang (the male sky god) and Sumnima (the female earth goddess).

In the traditional Kirant belief system, the universe is governed by a sacred balance between sky and earth, man and nature. The festivals of Udhauli and Ubhauli commemorate this balance by recognizing the cycles of life, death, migration, and rebirth.

It is said that during Ubhauli, Sumnima blesses the earth, making it fertile for planting. Conversely, during Udhauli, Paruhang is worshipped to give thanks for the harvest and to ensure protection for the coming cold season.

Cultural and Social Importance

1. Agricultural Connection

For an agrarian society like the Rai and Limbu, the importance of seasonal festivals cannot be overstated. Ubhauli marks the start of the planting season, while Udhauli gives thanks for the harvest. These festivals guide the community’s agricultural calendar, reinforcing their deep connection to the land.

2. Community Unity and Identity

Udhauli and Ubhauli foster a sense of belonging and cultural pride among the Kirant people. These events are times for family reunions, communal feasting, and storytelling, preserving traditions that might otherwise fade in a rapidly modernizing world.

3. Respect for Nature and Ancestors

These festivals aren’t just about celebration—they’re about reverence. Nature is seen not as a resource to be exploited, but as a living entity deserving respect. Ancestors are honored through rituals, songs, and dances, strengthening intergenerational bonds.

Rituals and Celebrations

1. Sakela Dance – The Heart of the Festival

One of the most vibrant aspects of both Udhauli and Ubhauli is the Sakela dance. Men and women dress in traditional Rai or Limbu attire, forming large circles and performing rhythmic steps to the beat of traditional drums (dhol) and cymbals (jhyamta).

Each movement of the Sakela dance mimics daily life, nature, and agricultural activities, such as sowing seeds, planting, or harvesting. It’s not just a dance—it’s a storytelling medium.

2. Offerings and Prayers

Special rituals are performed by the Nakchhong, the community priest, who leads prayers to Mother Earth, Paruhang, and the ancestors. Offerings include rice, millet beer (tongba), and animals, depending on the local customs.

3. Feasting and Sharing

Food is central to both festivals. Families prepare local delicacies like sel roti, pork curry, bamboo shoot dishes, and millet-based items. Meals are shared with neighbors and relatives, embodying the Kirant value of hospitality and unity.

4. Youth Participation and Cultural Revival

In recent years, young Kirant people have taken an active role in organizing Udhauli and Ubhauli events in cities like Kathmandu and even abroad. These events include cultural shows, dance competitions, and traditional music performances, helping to preserve and promote Kirant identity.

When and Where Are They Celebrated?

Ubhauli usually falls on Baishakh Purnima (full moon of April–May).

Udhauli is celebrated on Mangsir Purnima (full moon of November–December).

While the festivals are traditionally observed in eastern Nepal—especially in East Nepal like Bhojpur, Khotang, Dharan, Dhankuta, Terathum, Ilam and Taplejung—they are now celebrated by Kirant communities across Nepal and globally.

Conclusion: 

Udhauli and Ubhauli are not just seasonal celebrations—they are living expressions of a people’s spirituality, environmental awareness, and cultural resilience. In a world where indigenous voices are often silenced, the Rai and Limbu people continue to dance, sing, and worship in honor of the natural world that sustains them.

As Nepal continues to modernize, festivals like these remind us of the importance of sustainability, gratitude, and tradition. Whether you belong to the Kirant community or are simply interested in the rich cultural mosaic of Nepal, celebrating Udhauli and Ubhauli is a chance to reconnect—with the earth, with the ancestors, and with each other.

Ready to Experience Udhauli or Ubhauli?

If you ever find yourself in Nepal during these seasons, don’t miss the chance to witness a Sakela dance in full swing, taste authentic Kirant cuisine, or simply join in the spirit of togetherness. These festivals are open-hearted, inclusive, and rich in meaning.