Sakela Festival

Sakela Festival is the biggest festival of Kirat ethnic community of Nepal. The festival, distinguished by two names Ubhauli and Udhauli, is celebrated twice a year during January and April. Both the day is adjusted on a full moon day when its considered to be pious for invoking prayers and offering worship to their god. The most important feature of this festival is Chula Puja which involves worshipping the trees. Sakela dance performed by young and old Kiratis adorned in traditional attire is both entertaining and charming. The dance itself tells the story of the relationship between humans and nature. The Sakela is revered as a form of prayer to Mother Nature for healthy crops and prevention from natural calamities.