Sakela Ubhauli

साकेला उभौली

View on map
Nature & SeasonKhotang/Bhojpur/Dharan
DatesDates TBA · Usually MayCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forSeasonal rites, water traditionsKhotang and Bhojpur are considered core Rai
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: NPR
CategoryNature & SeasonFestival type
The story

Sakela Ubhauli in Khotang/Bhojpur/Dharan

Sakela Ubhauli is the spring performance of the Kirat Rai community's paired Sakela festival, held on the full moon of Baisakh across Rai heartland districts including Khotang and Bhojpur, and in the Rai diaspora hub of Dharan. Large circular dances led by paired Silimangpa and Silimangma leaders ask Bhumi, the earth goddess, to bless the coming planting season.

Sakela Ubhauli's essential form, the paired-leader circle dance performed on the full moon of Baisakh to ask Bhumi, the earth goddess, for a safe and productive planting season, remains constant across the Kirat Rai community.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Khotang and Bhojpur are considered core Rai homeland districts, and Sakela Ubhauli there retains a strongly local, village-based character, with dancing often centered on open ground near a village's traditional Sakela ground or dhami's residence rather than a formal event venue

02

The mystery stays covered

Dharan, a much larger eastern Nepal city with a significant Rai migrant population, hosts a correspondingly larger, more organized version of the same festival, drawing Rai families who have moved to the city but return to the dance circle each year to maintain the tradition

03

The city starts moving

Comparing the hill-district and Dharan observances offers a rare, direct look at how a rural indigenous festival adapts, without losing its ritual core, as its community urbanizes

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The Silimangpa and Silimangma dance-leader system

Water and renewal

Living ritual

a paired male and female role guiding the Sakela circle

The sacred route

Living ritual

is maintained consistently whether the observance takes place in a Khotang village or in Dharan

The local code

Living ritual

preserving a shared ritual structure across otherwise quite different settings

Tradition 5

Living ritual

The festival's petition to Bhumi for a safe

Tradition 6

Living ritual

productive planting season remains the devotional core regardless of scale or location

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually May

Getting around

Stay close enough to the part of Khotang/Bhojpur/Dharan you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.

What to wear

Traditional Rai dress, including specific woven patterns and jewelry, is worn by active participants; visitors can attend in comfortable, modest outdoor clothing.

Safety

Sakela Ubhauli is best approached as a guest: follow local crowd guidance and avoid blocking participants.

Where to stay

Base yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Sakela Ubhauli runs late.

Tickets/cost

Public water rituals are often open, but boat, viewing, or activity access may be paid.

Language/currency

NPR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map27.70 N, 85.32 EOpen in Google Maps

Khotang/Bhojpur/Dharan, Koshi Province, Nepal

Nearest airportIXB — Bagdogra
TransportStay close enough to the part of Khotang/Bhojpur/Dharan you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.
Stay areaBase yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Sakela Ubhauli runs late.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Khotang/Bhojpur/Dharan via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Khotang/Bhojpur/Dharan, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for May.Compare faresFestival gearTraditional Rai dress, including specific woven patterns and jewelry, is worn by active participants; visitors can attend in comfortable, modest outdoor clothing.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Nepal and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Sakela Ubhauli?

Sakela Ubhauli is listed for Past edition: 1 May 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Sakela Ubhauli take place?

The festival is listed in Khotang/Bhojpur/Dharan, Nepal. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Khotang/Bhojpur/Dharan, Koshi Province, Nepal

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLwondersofnepal.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually May
Source statusOfficial source linked
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