Eastern Nepal · Dhankuta
Sakela (Ubhauli and Udhauli)
साकेला
Sakela, also called Sakewa or Sakenwa, is the main festival of the Kirat Rai. It is held twice a year: Ubhauli at the Baisakh full moon, when people and animals move up to the hills and planting begins, and Udhauli at the Mangsir full moon, after the harvest, when they move down. Large circles of dancers mark both.
Sakela follows the farming year and the seasonal movement of people, animals and birds. Ubhauli, meaning going up, falls on the Baisakh full moon in spring, when the weather warms and the planting season starts. Udhauli, going down, falls on the Mangsir full moon in late autumn, after the harvest, when the cold begins. Both are described in the Mundhum, the oral tradition shared by Kirat peoples.
At the heart of Sakela is the dance. Men and women in traditional dress form a large circle, often around a sacred site or ritual stones, and move to the beat of the dhol drum and jhyamta cymbals. Each step, called a sili, imitates the movement of birds, animals or farm work such as sowing and harvesting. Different Rai groups have their own steps, and a ritual leader opens the dance with prayers and offerings.
Sakela is celebrated across the Rai hills of eastern Nepal and in towns where Rai people live, including Dhankuta, Dharan, Bhojpur, Khotang and Kathmandu. Community grounds fill with families, food stalls and visitors. In Dhankuta, gatherings are held in several places around the district.
Tips
- Arrive in the early afternoon; the main dancing often builds through the afternoon after the rituals.
- Watch first and join the outer circle only if invited; follow the steps of the dancers next to you.
- Ask before photographing rituals, priests or individuals, and do not walk through the middle of the circle.
Questions
When is Sakela celebrated?
Twice a year. Sakela Ubhauli is on the Baisakh full moon, usually late April or May, and Sakela Udhauli is on the Mangsir full moon, usually late November or December. Dates follow the lunar calendar and change each year; check current dates before you travel.
What is the difference between Ubhauli and Udhauli?
Ubhauli means going up and marks spring, when people, animals and birds move to higher ground and planting begins. Udhauli means going down and marks late autumn, after the harvest, when they move to lower, warmer ground. Both are celebrated with the Sakela dance.
Where can I see Sakela in eastern Nepal?
Sakela is held across the Rai hills, including Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Khotang, Dharan and many villages, and in cities such as Kathmandu. In Dhankuta, gatherings take place at several community grounds. We find out the main local sites each year before your trip.
Can visitors dance in the Sakela circle?
Often, yes. Visitors are usually welcome to watch, and dancers sometimes invite guests into the circle. Wait to be invited, follow the steps of those beside you, and do not interrupt the ritual part led by the priest at the start.