Udhauli Festival Brings Joy and Unity Across Nepal

Kathmandu, December 26: The vibrant and culturally rich Udhauli festival, the second most significant celebration for the Kirat community, is being observed with enthusiasm across Nepal today. Commencing from the full moon day of the Nepali month of Mangshir, as per the lunar calendar, Udhauli is a festival steeped in traditions that involve the worship of nature and ancestors before the harvest season.

The festival holds dual significance, symbolizing not only the harvest but also the transition of beings from highland to lowland areas due to the onset of cold weather. Members of the Kirat community come together to celebrate Udhauli in an organized manner, sharing good wishes and engaging in rituals. According to the Mundhum, the religious book of the Kirat community, time is categorized into Udhauli and Ubhauli based on farming activities. While Ubhauli is celebrated during the plantation season in the full moon day of Nepali month Baisakh, Udhauli is observed during the harvesting of crops, with the harvested produce offered to ancestors before consumption.

Beyond the Kirat community, Udhauli is also celebrated by the Limbu, Sunuwar, and Yakhya ethnic groups. Public spaces become a hub for gatherings, where traditional Sakela dances are performed in ethnic costumes, creating a colorful spectacle.

President Ramchandra Paudel, recognizing the cultural significance of Udhauli, emphasized its role in highlighting the interdependent relationship between human life and nature. In a festive message, President Paudel expressed optimism that Udhauli would foster mutual harmony among all ethnic groups in Nepal, contributing to family, community, and social unity. He underscored the role of such festivals in maintaining national unity and a common Nepalese identity.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ extended warm wishes on the occasion of the 20th National Jyapu Day and stressed the collective responsibility to safeguard communities with religious and cultural traditions. Acknowledging the Jyapu community’s significant contributions to the development of art, culture, and civilization in the valley, the Prime Minister emphasized the invaluable role of ethnic diversity in the advancement of Nepali civilization. He expressed confidence that National Jyapu Day would energize nation-building efforts and contribute to the development of a shared indigenous culture.

As Udhauli festivities continue nationwide, the celebrations are not just a cultural spectacle but a reflection of Nepal’s rich diversity and the unity that thrives within it.