Udhauli Parva is an important festival celebrated by the Kirat community in Nepal, which marks the migration of birds and animals downhill to avoid the cold weather. It generally falls in the month of November or December, coinciding with the end of the harvest season.

History and Significance

The history of Udhauli is rooted in nature worship and the animist practices of the Kirat people. The festival signifies the movement ('Udhauli' meaning 'downward') of people and livestock towards warmer regions as winter sets in. This tradition is reflective of their agrarian lifestyle and respect for natural cycles.

Traditions

During Udhauli, Kirat people perform a special dance called Sakela or Sili. They wear traditional costumes and gather in open fields to dance in circles to the rhythm of traditional music, symbolizing unity with nature. The dances are often accompanied by chants and prayers for prosperity and good health.

Shamans also play a significant role during this festival, conducting rituals to honor ancestors and deities, seeking blessings for their families and crops.

Activities on Udhauli Parva

• Rituals: People engage in various rituals that involve offering prayers to Mother Earth (Bhumi) for providing them with food.
• Dance Performances: The Sakela/Sili dance is performed as a community event.
• Feasts: Families prepare special meals using new harvest crops to celebrate their hard work.
• Gatherings: Communities come together to celebrate, enhancing social bonds and cultural identity.
• Worship: Nature is worshipped through different ceremonies to show gratitude for its bounty.

Udhauli Parva serves as an important cultural marker for the Kirat people, reinforcing their connection with nature's cycles while promoting cultural heritage through vibrant communal practices.