For the Rai people, one of the Kirat peoples of eastern Nepal, Sakela is a prayer to nature and the earth for good crops and protection from disaster. The spring celebration, Sakela Ubhauli, begins at Baisakh Purnima, the full moon of April or May, when families prepare to sow; the word ubhauli relates to the upward movement of people and birds to the hills. The autumn celebration, Sakela Udhauli, falls at the Mangsir full moon in November or December, at harvest, as people and herds move back down.
The heart of the festival is the Sakela dance, or sili. Men and women in traditional dress, with the women in bright cloth and silver jewellery, form a large circle around a sacred stone or shrine called the sakela than and move to the beat of the dhol and jhyamta, imitating the movements of birds, animals and farm work. A silimangpa leads the dancers, and ritual priests make offerings. Celebrations can last for days, with feasting and tongba.
In the hills of Dhankuta, Khotang, Bhojpur, Sankhuwasabha and Ilam, village grounds host Sakela gatherings, and in recent years big public events in Dharan, Kathmandu and other towns have brought thousands of dancers together. Visitors are welcome to watch, and often to join the outer circle once the formal part is over. The exact dates follow the lunar calendar and local decisions, so check current status before you travel.
Tips
- Ask your guide to confirm the local celebration date a week or two ahead; villages sometimes hold events on weekends near the full moon.
- Dress modestly and ask before photographing ritual offerings or elders leading the ceremony.
- Join the dance only when invited, and follow the steps of the person in front of you.
Questions travellers ask
When is Sakela celebrated?
Twice a year: Sakela Ubhauli at Baisakh Purnima (April–May) and Sakela Udhauli at Mangsir Purnima (November–December). Local events can spread over several days around those dates. Check current status before you travel.
Who celebrates Sakela?
Sakela is the main festival of the Rai (Khambu) people of eastern Nepal, Sikkim and the Darjeeling hills. Other Kirat groups have related festivals, and many neighbours join public celebrations.
Where can tourists see Sakela in east Nepal?
In Rai villages of Dhankuta, Khotang, Bhojpur, Sankhuwasabha and Ilam, and at large public gatherings in towns such as Dharan. We arrange village visits around the full moon when local organisers welcome guests.
Can visitors join the Sakela dance?
Often, yes. After the opening rituals the circle usually opens to anyone who follows the steps respectfully. Watch first, wait to be invited and follow the person ahead of you.
