Kirat community celebrates Ubhauli festival today (video)
Ubhauli, also known as Chandi Purnima, marks an important seasonal transition and is observed through rituals and prayers dedicated to nature.
KATHMANDU: Members of the Kirat community, including the Rai and Limbu ethnic groups, are celebrating the Ubhauli festival today, which falls on the full moon day of the lunar month of Baisakh (Baisakh Shukla Purnima).
Ubhauli, also known as Chandi Purnima, marks an important seasonal transition and is observed through rituals and prayers dedicated to nature.
It is a time-honored tradition where communities gather at Bhumesthan (sacred groves or shrines) to pray for a good harvest before planting begins.
According to Kirat customs, Ubhauli symbolizes the upward migration of people from the lowlands (Besi) to the highlands (Lek) to escape the summer heat and continue agricultural work. The name “Ubhauli” itself reflects this movement — “ubha” meaning “upward” in the Kirati language.
The festival also signifies the movement of birds and wild animals towards higher altitudes, as believed by the Kirat people.
The community celebrates this occasion with traditional Chandi dances, rituals, and communal gatherings, honoring their deep connection with nature and the seasonal cycle.
Ubhauli is not only a cultural celebration but also a spiritual expression of gratitude and reverence for the natural world.
