Sakela – Nepali culture and tradition

Nepal is a small country wedged between two giants, China and India. Despite its size, multicultural and multilingual Nepalis make the country rich in diversity and traditions. Nepalis from Himalayas, mountains (Pahadi), and plains (Terais) all harmoniously share the beautiful Nepal and celebrate different festivities together. There are many festivals celebrated by various ethnicities throughout the year.    

We are presenting one of the major festivals called Sakela. This festival is observed by Kirati (Kiranti) people of Nepal. Kirati are Sino-Tibetan ethnic group and are natives of Nepal. Kirati people are Rai, Yakkha, Limbu and Sunuwar. Sakela festival has two important cycles called Ubhauli and Udhauli. 

Ubhauli came from word Ubho which means upper or going up. Udhauli came from word Udho which means lower or going down. Mudhum, the religious book of Kiratis, has divided a year into two, Ubhauli and Udhauli. The native people based this division based on migration of birds. Kiratis living in the Himalayan regions (Lek of Parvat Shrinkhala) who migrate from Lek (mountains) to Besi (plains) and vice versa, begins with the celebration of Sakela. Every year full lunar day of Magh month, the Udhauli Sakela begins with the starting of winter. Similarly, Ubhauli Sakela begins on full moon day of Baisakh with spring season. On this day, the Kiratis wear their best traditional costumes and ornaments to gather around and perform traditional Sakela dance. “Soi dhole soi arko dhole khoi” they sing a song while dancing, forming a circle. The traditional unique musical instruments such as Dhol and Jhyamta are played. Everyone, regardless they know how to dance or not, enjoys the dance together. 

Women wear special costumes made of “Taas” (a shiny fabric) called chitko gunyo choli. They enjoy special alcoholic beverage made for this festival called Tongba and typical rice beer called Jaad. The festival brings new hopes and excitement to move on and embrace the seasonal change. Kiratis consider them as children of earth or soil (Bhumi). During the festival, they pray earth god (Bhumi Devata) to show gratuity for her generosity of providing good harvest or crops. The humility toward the earth and nature is something we all can learn and appreciate during the times of climate change. They believe no matter how industrialized our society become human being must find a way to co-exists with mother earth. 

Foomantra is proud to be part of Nepal and her rich cultures. We hope Nepali around the world could learn and appreciate the substance of our rich culture and heritage. Part of bringing Nepal closer to people is through awareness of our authentic traditions along with products to inspire you. You can help us in our efforts by sharing this blog.