Uddhauli Parwa is one of the most significant festivals celebrated by the Kirat people, a community primarily residing in eastern Nepal. The Kirat people, including the Rai, Limbu, Sunuwar, and Yakkha ethnic groups, have a rich tradition deeply connected to nature, agricultural cycles, and spiritual beliefs. Uddhauli marks the transition of seasons, symbolizing the migration from higher altitudes to lower plains during the winter months. It is not just a physical migration but also holds spiritual importance, expressing gratitude to nature and ancestral deities for the harvest and seeking blessings for the upcoming season.
Origin and Meaning of Uddhauli
The term Uddhauli is derived from two words: “Udha” meaning downward and “Dhaili” meaning migration. This reflects the tradition of moving from the higher hilly regions to the warmer plains to avoid the harsh winter. Uddhauli is celebrated during Mangsir (November-December) and coincides with the end of the harvest season.
The Kirat people, who follow Kirant Mundhum (the indigenous spiritual practice), have a deep connection with nature. They believe that during Uddhauli, the earth begins to cool down as the sun moves southward, marking the need to migrate for warmth and safety. The festival is symbolic of the cyclical nature of life and the seasons, emphasizing harmony with the environment.
Rituals and Traditions of Uddhauli
1. Agricultural Significance:
At its core, Uddhauli Parwa is closely tied to agriculture. Traditionally, it marks the end of the harvest season, and the Kirat people celebrate the bounty of crops like millet, maize, and rice. It is a time for thanksgiving, where these harvested crops are offered to ancestors and deities as a gesture of gratitude.
The Jamara (sacred grass) is planted during Uddhauli as part of the rituals. This grass, symbolizing fertility, is kept for prayers and offerings. The Kirat people use it to offer respect to their deities, asking for protection during the cold months and good health for the entire community.
2. Worship of Ancestors and Nature:
The Kirat people hold a strong belief in ancestral worship and reverence for nature. During Uddhauli, they perform pujas (ritual prayers) to honor Paruhang (the supreme god) and Sumnima (the goddess of fertility and nature), asking for blessings for the upcoming season. These prayers are performed at community shrines or in individual homes, using flowers, fruits, grains, and livestock products as offerings.
The rituals also include chants and recitations from the Mundhum (the Kirat religious text), where community elders lead the prayers and recount the stories of their ancestors, maintaining the oral traditions of the Kirat culture.
3. Sakela Dance:
The Sakela dance, also called Chandi Nach, is one of the central highlights of Uddhauli. This traditional dance reflects the agricultural activities and communal unity of the Kirat people. The Sakela dance is performed in large circles, with participants dressed in traditional attire, symbolizing the joy of harvest and the collective spirit of the community.
The dance usually takes place in open spaces or Manghim (the communal gathering hall) and involves both men and women, who move rhythmically in sync with the beats of traditional drums. The dance mimics various aspects of agriculture, such as planting, harvesting, and worship, emphasizing the Kirat people’s strong ties to nature.
4. Offering and Feasting:
As a time of thanksgiving, Uddhauli also includes grand feasts prepared from the freshly harvested crops. Foods such as Sel Roti, Dhido, Gundruk, and other traditional dishes are prepared and shared among family and community members. Feasting represents a time of prosperity and happiness, reinforcing familial bonds and communal unity.
During Uddhauli, special offerings of livestock, grains, and fruits are made to the deities, particularly in the Kirat Rai Sakela Shrine. The Kirat people believe that these offerings ensure the blessings of the gods for a prosperous new season.
Connection Between Uddhauli and Ubhauli
Uddhauli is part of the bi-annual migration cycle celebrated by the Kirat people. The festival’s counterpart, Ubhauli, takes place in Baishakh (April-May), marking the time when the Kirat people return to the higher altitudes before the summer. Both Uddhauli and Ubhauli are deeply symbolic of the Kirat community’s connection to nature and the changing seasons.
While Uddhauli is associated with the downward migration for winter, Ubhauli represents the upward migration to the hills as the warmer months approach. This movement ensures the survival and sustainability of the Kirat people, aligning their way of life with the natural rhythms of the environment. Both festivals are accompanied by similar rituals of prayer, offerings, and the Sakela dance, maintaining the cultural and spiritual continuity of the community.
Spiritual Significance of Uddhauli
The spiritual dimension of Uddhauli Parwa lies in the worship of the natural elements and ancestral spirits. According to the Kirant Mundhum, the balance between humans and nature is crucial for survival. During Uddhauli, prayers are offered to ensure protection from the winter cold, and rituals are performed to maintain the harmony between humans, animals, and the environment.
The Kirat people believe that through these rituals, they can communicate with their ancestors and seek their guidance. The planting of sacred Jamara and the offering of harvested grains are believed to ensure fertility and prosperity in the coming year.
Modern Celebrations of Uddhauli
In modern times, Uddhauli is celebrated not just in the rural hills and valleys of eastern Nepal but also in urban centers, where the Kirat people have migrated for work and education. Large gatherings and cultural programs are organized in cities like Kathmandu, where the Sakela dance is performed in public squares, and traditional rituals are carried out in communal spaces.
Uddhauli serves as an important cultural identity marker for the Kirat diaspora, providing them with an opportunity to reconnect with their heritage and pass on their traditions to the younger generation. It is also a time for solidarity, as the Kirat people unite to celebrate their rich cultural and spiritual traditions in the face of modern challenges.
Conclusion
Uddhauli Parwa is more than just a seasonal festival; it is a deep expression of the Kirat people’s connection to nature, ancestors, and community. Celebrated with prayers, rituals, and the joyous Sakela dance, it embodies the values of gratitude, harmony, and prosperity. As the Kirat people migrate downward in anticipation of winter, they carry with them the hopes and blessings of their ancestors, seeking protection and sustenance for the coming months.
Through Uddhauli, the Kirat people honor their past, live in harmony with the present, and look forward to a prosperous future, embodying the essence of balance between humans and nature.
References
- Sharma, Omkar.The Kirat Community and Their Rituals. Kathmandu Press, 2015.
- This book offers detailed insights into the customs, religious practices, and festivals of the Kirat people, including Uddhauli and Ubhauli.
- Subba, Gopal. “Understanding the Cultural Significance of Uddhauli and Ubhauli in Kirat Tradition.” Journal of Indigenous Studies, vol. 4, no. 1, 2018, pp. 14-25.
- An academic article exploring the cultural, agricultural, and spiritual significance of Uddhauli and Ubhauli.
- Hangen, Susan I.The Rise of Ethnic Politics in Nepal: Democracy in the Margins. Routledge, 2009.
- This book discusses the ethnic and cultural identity of the Kirat people, along with their festivals and their role in modern Nepalese society.
- Bista, Dor Bahadur.People of Nepal. Ratna Pustak Bhandar, 1980.
- A comprehensive ethnographic study of various ethnic groups in Nepal, including the Kirat and their traditions.
- Rai, Hemanta. “Celebrating Uddhauli in the Modern Age: Tradition Meets Modernity.” Nepali Times, December 2020.
- This article focuses on the contemporary celebrations of Uddhauli and how the Kirat people adapt their traditions in urban settings.
