"Bikram Sambat"

#12377093

17 May 2025

Members of Nepal's indigenous Kirat community pose for a photo as they gather to celebrate Shakela Ubhauli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 17, 2025. Kirant men and women clad in traditional attire observe the festival by beating drums and cymbals, imitating the activities of birds and other animals, and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshiping land and ancestors in hopes of obtaining better crops, health, and property. Kirat Mundhum, the holy book of Kirat, mentions that the year of 365 days is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). In the past, people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally, during the summer, the Kirat people move uphill to avoid the heat and malaria. They perform Ubhauli rituals before they move, during which they worship their ancestors and nature for better health and crops. Sakela is the biggest festival celebrated by the Kirats of Nepal. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward, and Udhauli means downward. Every year, Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima, which is on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Sakela Ubhauli falls in the month of Baishak (April-May), and Sakela Udhauli falls during the month of Mangsir (October-November) of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Traditionally, the Kirat people climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter, with similar rituals for Udhauli, they move down the hill. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe ancestors become angry when they are not properly worshipped.

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#12377094

17 May 2025

Members of Nepal's indigenous Kirat community pose for a photo as they gather to celebrate Shakela Ubhauli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 17, 2025. Kirant men and women clad in traditional attire observe the festival by beating drums and cymbals, imitating the activities of birds and other animals, and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshiping land and ancestors in hopes of obtaining better crops, health, and property. Kirat Mundhum, the holy book of Kirat, mentions that the year of 365 days is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). In the past, people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally, during the summer, the Kirat people move uphill to avoid the heat and malaria. They perform Ubhauli rituals before they move, during which they worship their ancestors and nature for better health and crops. Sakela is the biggest festival celebrated by the Kirats of Nepal. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward, and Udhauli means downward. Every year, Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima, which is on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Sakela Ubhauli falls in the month of Baishak (April-May), and Sakela Udhauli falls during the month of Mangsir (October-November) of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Traditionally, the Kirat people climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter, with similar rituals for Udhauli, they move down the hill. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe ancestors become angry when they are not properly worshipped.

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#12377099

17 May 2025

Members of Nepal's indigenous Kirat community pose for a photo as they gather to celebrate Shakela Ubhauli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 17, 2025. Kirant men and women clad in traditional attire observe the festival by beating drums and cymbals, imitating the activities of birds and other animals, and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshiping land and ancestors in hopes of obtaining better crops, health, and property. Kirat Mundhum, the holy book of Kirat, mentions that the year of 365 days is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). In the past, people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally, during the summer, the Kirat people move uphill to avoid the heat and malaria. They perform Ubhauli rituals before they move, during which they worship their ancestors and nature for better health and crops. Sakela is the biggest festival celebrated by the Kirats of Nepal. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward, and Udhauli means downward. Every year, Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima, which is on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Sakela Ubhauli falls in the month of Baishak (April-May), and Sakela Udhauli falls during the month of Mangsir (October-November) of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Traditionally, the Kirat people climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter, with similar rituals for Udhauli, they move down the hill. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe ancestors become angry when they are not properly worshipped.

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#12377136

17 May 2025

An elderly member of Nepal's indigenous Kirat community in traditional attire poses for a photo while they gather to perform the Shakela dance and celebrate Ubhauli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 17, 2025. Kirant men and women clad in traditional attire observe the festival by beating drums and cymbals, imitating the activities of birds and other animals, and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshiping land and ancestors in hopes of getting better crops, health, and property. Kirat Mundhum, the holy book of Kirat, mentions that the year of 365 days is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). In the past, people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally, during the summer, the Kirat people move uphill to avoid the heat and malaria. They perform Ubhauli rituals before they move, during which they worship their ancestors and nature for better health and crops. Sakela is the biggest festival that the Kirats of Nepal celebrate. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward, and Udhauli means downward. Every year, Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Sakela Ubhauli falls in the month of Baishak (April-May), and Sakela Udhauli falls during the month of Mangsir (October-November) of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Traditionally, the Kirat people climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter, with similar rituals for Udhauli, they move down the hill. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe ancestors would...

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#12377095

17 May 2025

A female member of Nepal's indigenous Kirat community takes a selfie as she attends a mass celebration of Shakela Ubhauli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 17, 2025. Kirant men and women clad in traditional attire observe the festival by beating drums, cymbals, imitating the activities of birds and other animals, and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshiping land and ancestors in hopes of getting better crops, health, and property. Kirat Mundhum, the holy book of Kirat, mentions that the year of 365 days is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). In old days, people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally, during the summer, the Kirat people move uphill to avoid the heat and malaria. They perform Ubhauli rituals before they move and during that, they worship their ancestors and nature for better health and crops. Sakela is the biggest festival that Kirats of Nepal celebrate. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward and Udhauli means downward. Every year, Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Sakela Ubhauli falls in the month of Baishak (April-May) and Sakela Udhauli falls during the month of Mangsir (October-November) of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Traditionally, the Kirat people climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter, with similar rituals for Udhauli, they move down the hill. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe ancestors get angry when they are not properly worshipped.

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#12377097

17 May 2025

Members of Nepal's indigenous Kirat community perform the Shakela dance while celebrating Ubhauli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 17, 2025. Kirant men and women clad in traditional attire observe the festival by beating drums and cymbals, imitating the activities of birds and other animals, and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshiping land and ancestors in hopes of obtaining better crops, health, and property. Kirat Mundhum, the holy book of Kirat, mentions that the year of 365 days is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). In the past, people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally, during the summer, the Kirat people move uphill to avoid the heat and malaria. They perform Ubhauli rituals before they move, during which they worship their ancestors and nature for better health and crops. Sakela is the biggest festival celebrated by the Kirats of Nepal. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward, and Udhauli means downward. Every year, Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Sakela Ubhauli falls in the month of Baishak (April-May), and Sakela Udhauli falls during the month of Mangsir (October-November) of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Traditionally, the Kirat people climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter, with similar rituals for Udhauli, they move down the hill. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe ancestors become angry when they are not properly worshipped.

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#12377101

17 May 2025

A female member of Nepal's indigenous Kirat community poses for a photo as she attends a mass celebration of Shakela Ubhauli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 17, 2025. Kirant men and women clad in traditional attire observe the festival by beating drums, cymbals, imitating the activities of birds and other animals, and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshiping land and ancestors in hopes of getting better crops, health, and property. Kirat Mundhum, the holy book of Kirat, mentions that the year of 365 days is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). In old days, people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally, during the summer, the Kirat people move uphill to avoid the heat and malaria. They perform Ubhauli rituals before they move and during that, they worship their ancestors and nature for better health and crops. Sakela is the biggest festival that Kirats of Nepal celebrate. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward and Udhauli means downward. Every year, Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Sakela Ubhauli falls in the month of Baishak (April-May) and Sakela Udhauli falls during the month of Mangsir (October-November) of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Traditionally, the Kirat people climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter, with similar rituals for Udhauli, they move down the hill. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe ancestors get angry when they are not properly worshiped.

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#12377103

17 May 2025

Members of Nepal's indigenous Kirat community perform the Shakela dance while celebrating Ubhauli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 17, 2025. Kirant men and women clad in traditional attire observe the festival by beating drums and cymbals, imitating the activities of birds and other animals, and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshiping land and ancestors in hopes of obtaining better crops, health, and property. Kirat Mundhum, the holy book of Kirat, mentions that the year of 365 days is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). In the past, people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally, during the summer, the Kirat people move uphill to avoid the heat and malaria. They perform Ubhauli rituals before they move, during which they worship their ancestors and nature for better health and crops. Sakela is the biggest festival celebrated by the Kirats of Nepal. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward, and Udhauli means downward. Every year, Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Sakela Ubhauli falls in the month of Baishak (April-May), and Sakela Udhauli falls during the month of Mangsir (October-November) of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Traditionally, the Kirat people climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter, with similar rituals for Udhauli, they move down the hill. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe ancestors become angry when they are not properly worshipped.

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#12377104

17 May 2025

Members of Nepal's indigenous Kirat community perform the Shakela dance while celebrating Ubhauli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 17, 2025. Kirant men and women clad in traditional attire observe the festival by beating drums and cymbals, imitating the activities of birds and other animals, and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshiping land and ancestors in hopes of obtaining better crops, health, and property. Kirat Mundhum, the holy book of Kirat, mentions that the year of 365 days is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). In the past, people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally, during the summer, the Kirat people move uphill to avoid the heat and malaria. They perform Ubhauli rituals before they move, during which they worship their ancestors and nature for better health and crops. Sakela is the biggest festival celebrated by the Kirats of Nepal. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward, and Udhauli means downward. Every year, Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Sakela Ubhauli falls in the month of Baishak (April-May), and Sakela Udhauli falls during the month of Mangsir (October-November) of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Traditionally, the Kirat people climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter, with similar rituals for Udhauli, they move down the hill. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe ancestors become angry when they are not properly worshipped.

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#12377107

17 May 2025

Members of Nepal's indigenous Kirat community perform the Shakela dance while celebrating Ubhauli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 17, 2025. Kirant men and women clad in traditional attire observe the festival by beating drums and cymbals, imitating the activities of birds and other animals, and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshiping land and ancestors in hopes of obtaining better crops, health, and property. Kirat Mundhum, the holy book of Kirat, mentions that the year of 365 days is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). In the past, people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally, during the summer, the Kirat people move uphill to avoid the heat and malaria. They perform Ubhauli rituals before they move, during which they worship their ancestors and nature for better health and crops. Sakela is the biggest festival celebrated by the Kirats of Nepal. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward, and Udhauli means downward. Every year, Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Sakela Ubhauli falls in the month of Baishak (April-May), and Sakela Udhauli falls during the month of Mangsir (October-November) of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Traditionally, the Kirat people climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter, with similar rituals for Udhauli, they move down the hill. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe ancestors become angry when they are not properly worshipped.

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#12377108

17 May 2025

Members of Nepal's indigenous Kirat community perform the Shakela dance while celebrating Ubhauli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 17, 2025. Kirant men and women clad in traditional attire observe the festival by beating drums and cymbals, imitating the activities of birds and other animals, and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshiping land and ancestors in hopes of obtaining better crops, health, and property. Kirat Mundhum, the holy book of Kirat, mentions that the year of 365 days is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). In the past, people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally, during the summer, the Kirat people move uphill to avoid the heat and malaria. They perform Ubhauli rituals before they move, during which they worship their ancestors and nature for better health and crops. Sakela is the biggest festival celebrated by the Kirats of Nepal. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward, and Udhauli means downward. Every year, Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Sakela Ubhauli falls in the month of Baishak (April-May), and Sakela Udhauli falls during the month of Mangsir (October-November) of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Traditionally, the Kirat people climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter, with similar rituals for Udhauli, they move down the hill. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe ancestors become angry when they are not properly worshipped.

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#12377110

17 May 2025

Members of Nepal's indigenous Kirat community perform the Shakela dance while celebrating Ubhauli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 17, 2025. Kirant men and women clad in traditional attire observe the festival by beating drums and cymbals, imitating the activities of birds and other animals, and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshiping land and ancestors in hopes of obtaining better crops, health, and property. Kirat Mundhum, the holy book of Kirat, mentions that the year of 365 days is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). In the past, people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally, during the summer, the Kirat people move uphill to avoid the heat and malaria. They perform Ubhauli rituals before they move, during which they worship their ancestors and nature for better health and crops. Sakela is the biggest festival celebrated by the Kirats of Nepal. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward, and Udhauli means downward. Every year, Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Sakela Ubhauli falls in the month of Baishak (April-May), and Sakela Udhauli falls during the month of Mangsir (October-November) of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Traditionally, the Kirat people climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter, with similar rituals for Udhauli, they move down the hill. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe ancestors become angry when they are not properly worshipped.

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#12377112

17 May 2025

Members of Nepal's indigenous Kirat community perform the Shakela dance while celebrating Ubhauli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 17, 2025. Kirant men and women clad in traditional attire observe the festival by beating drums and cymbals, imitating the activities of birds and other animals, and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshiping land and ancestors in hopes of obtaining better crops, health, and property. Kirat Mundhum, the holy book of Kirat, mentions that the year of 365 days is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). In the past, people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally, during the summer, the Kirat people move uphill to avoid the heat and malaria. They perform Ubhauli rituals before they move, during which they worship their ancestors and nature for better health and crops. Sakela is the biggest festival celebrated by the Kirats of Nepal. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward, and Udhauli means downward. Every year, Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Sakela Ubhauli falls in the month of Baishak (April-May), and Sakela Udhauli falls during the month of Mangsir (October-November) of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Traditionally, the Kirat people climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter, with similar rituals for Udhauli, they move down the hill. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe ancestors become angry when they are not properly worshipped.

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#12377114

17 May 2025

A member of Nepal's indigenous Kirat community performs the Shakela dance while celebrating Ubhauli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 17, 2025. Kirant men and women clad in traditional attire observe the festival by beating drums and cymbals, imitating the activities of birds and other animals, and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshiping land and ancestors in hopes of getting better crops, health, and property. Kirat Mundhum, the holy book of Kirat, mentions that the year of 365 days is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). In old days, people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally, during the summer, the Kirat people move uphill to avoid the heat and malaria. They perform Ubhauli rituals before they move, during which they worship their ancestors and nature for better health and crops. Sakela is the biggest festival that Kirats of Nepal celebrate. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward, and Udhauli means downward. Every year, Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Sakela Ubhauli falls in the month of Baishak (April-May), and Sakela Udhauli falls during the month of Mangsir (October-November) of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Traditionally, the Kirat people climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter, with similar rituals for Udhauli, they move down the hill. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe ancestors get angry when they are not properly worshipped.

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#12377116

17 May 2025

Members of Nepal's indigenous Kirat community perform the Shakela dance while celebrating Ubhauli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 17, 2025. Kirant men and women clad in traditional attire observe the festival by beating drums and cymbals, imitating the activities of birds and other animals, and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshiping land and ancestors in hopes of obtaining better crops, health, and property. Kirat Mundhum, the holy book of Kirat, mentions that the year of 365 days is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). In the past, people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally, during the summer, the Kirat people move uphill to avoid the heat and malaria. They perform Ubhauli rituals before they move, during which they worship their ancestors and nature for better health and crops. Sakela is the biggest festival celebrated by the Kirats of Nepal. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward, and Udhauli means downward. Every year, Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Sakela Ubhauli falls in the month of Baishak (April-May), and Sakela Udhauli falls during the month of Mangsir (October-November) of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Traditionally, the Kirat people climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter, with similar rituals for Udhauli, they move down the hill. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe ancestors become angry when they are not properly worshipped.

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#12377118

17 May 2025

Members of Nepal's indigenous Kirat community perform the Shakela dance while celebrating Ubhauli in Kathmandu, Nepal, on May 17, 2025. Kirant men and women clad in traditional attire observe the festival by beating drums and cymbals, imitating the activities of birds and other animals, and exchanging greetings with each other. This festival is celebrated by worshiping land and ancestors in hopes of obtaining better crops, health, and property. Kirat Mundhum, the holy book of Kirat, mentions that the year of 365 days is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (going up) and Udhauli (going down). In the past, people used to move uphill and downhill during these seasons. Ubhauli is celebrated every year on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima/Buddha Jayanti in the Nepali month of Baishak (April-May). Traditionally, during the summer, the Kirat people move uphill to avoid the heat and malaria. They perform Ubhauli rituals before they move, during which they worship their ancestors and nature for better health and crops. Sakela is the biggest festival celebrated by the Kirats of Nepal. Ubhauli and Udhauli are the two main festivals of Sakela. Ubhauli means upward, and Udhauli means downward. Every year, Ubhauli is celebrated on Baishak Sulka Purnima, on the same day as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Jayanti. Sakela Ubhauli falls in the month of Baishak (April-May), and Sakela Udhauli falls during the month of Mangsir (October-November) of the Bikram Sambat calendar. Traditionally, the Kirat people climb up to the mountains in summer to avoid the heat and malaria after performing the Ubhauli rituals. During these traditional rituals, they worship their ancestors and nature, seeking better wealth and crops. At the start of winter, with similar rituals for Udhauli, they move down the hill. The Kirat have a strong belief in dead ancestors and nature. They believe ancestors become angry when they are not properly worshipped.

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