Sakela Udhauli

साकेला उधौली

View on map
Nature & SeasonKhotang/Bhojpur/Dharan
DatesDates TBA · Usually DecemberCheck locally before booking
DurationWinterEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forSeasonal rites, water traditionsAs the harvest half of the Sakela cycle
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: NPR
CategoryNature & SeasonFestival type
The story

Sakela Udhauli in Khotang/Bhojpur/Dharan

Sakela Udhauli is the autumn, harvest-thanksgiving performance of the Kirat Rai community's Sakela festival, held during the full moon of Mangsir across the Rai homeland districts of Khotang and Bhojpur and in the Rai diaspora city of Dharan. The same paired-leader circle dance used at Ubhauli returns here to thank Bhumi, the earth goddess, for a completed harvest.

By the time the full moon of Mangsir arrives, bringing Sakela Udhauli, the agricultural anxieties that shaped the spring's Ubhauli dancing have resolved one way or another, and in a good year, the community gathers not to ask Bhumi, the earth goddess, for protection but to thank her for a harvest safely brought in.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

As the harvest half of the Sakela cycle, Udhauli in Khotang and Bhojpur typically carries a more settled, celebratory tone than the springtime Ubhauli, since the year's agricultural risk has already passed and the dance functions as thanksgiving rather than petition

02

The mystery stays covered

Dharan's version, organized by the city's Kirat cultural associations for a much larger and more diverse Rai migrant population, often extends over multiple days with formal cultural programs alongside the dancing itself, giving visitors a chance to see Sakela presented both in its intimate village form and in a larger, more curated civic celebration within the same festival season

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Udhauli's dedication of thanks to Bhumi for the completed harvest is performed through the same Sakela dance and Silimangpa/Silimangma leadership structure used at Ubhauli

Water and renewal

Living ritual

maintaining ritual continuity across the two halves of the Kirat agricultural year regardless of whether the observance is staged in a Khotang village or in Dharan's larger diaspora community

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually December

Getting around

Expect wet routes, blocked streets, and slower movement around river, beach, or water zones.

What to wear

Traditional Rai dress is worn by participants; comfortable, modest clothing is appropriate for visitors in either the hill-district village settings or the more urban Dharan event.

Safety

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

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Khotang/Bhojpur/Dharan you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

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
TransportExpect wet routes, blocked streets, and slower movement around river, beach, or water zones.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Khotang/Bhojpur/Dharan you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

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 December.Compare faresFestival gearTraditional Rai dress is worn by participants; comfortable, modest clothing is appropriate for visitors in either the hill-district village settings or the more urban Dharan event.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 Udhauli?

Sakela Udhauli is listed for December · Winter. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Sakela Udhauli 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?

Winter 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 December
Source statusOfficial source linked
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