Udhauli Parva 2023: Annually, on December 8, which falls on the eve of the full moon in the month of Mangsir, a festival known as Udhauli Parva is celebrated. The eighth month of the Nepali calendar, “Mangsir,” corresponds to December on the Gregorian calendar. To celebrate the onset of winter and the changing of the seasons, birds migrate to milder climates. Kirant communities observe this festival as an expression of gratitude to the Earth for the harvest. It is commemorated through traditional chanting, dancing, and expressing gratitude for the gifts bestowed by nature.
The Chronicle of UDHAULI PARVA
Based on the Kirat mythology, Udhauli Parva depicts a sun deity who falls in love with an earth god. The sun deity Paruhang was enamored with the beauty of the land goddess Sumnina. As a token of his admiration, he presented Sumnina with an exquisite comb and extended a marriage proposal. Subsequently, the earth and the heavens were united in matrimony and coexisted in contentment until Paruhang vanished one day without a trace.
Several days passed while Sumnina was preoccupied with her husband’s disappearance. However, she still had her children to cherish and care for in spite of her sorrow. Therefore, while foraging for food in the forest to sustain her children, she discovered a creeper plant that, if consumed, would grant her strength, joy, and the desire to speak the truth. Sustaining that these emotions might be of assistance to others, she fashioned the plant into a Buti, a traditional talisman designed for personal use. While this talisman brought peace and joy to the lives of many, she remained content in the knowledge that she still deeply missed her husband.
Following a number of days, Paruhang returned to Sumnina. Paruhang disclosed to Sumnina, while situated atop Mount Everest, that he had been meditating and traversing the entirety of the universe while donning the talisman that induces truthful speech. He returned to her and their family notwithstanding the marvels he had witnessed and encountered, pledging that he would never again depart—as if the universe itself were insufficient to merit the affection he had for his cherished wife and children.
Upon learning this, Sumnina began to dance ecstatically. Presently, this particular performance is showcased during the festival under the name Sakela dance. Young boys and girls perform this dance in an attempt to discover love comparable to that which Paruhang and Sumnina shared.
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FAQs on Udhauli Parva 2023
Does Kirat constitute a religion?
Indeed, the Kirant people adhere to the religious practice of Kirat Mundhum. It is strongly associated with Buddhism and Shamanism and reveres nature and ancestors.
How are the Kirant people devout?
The Kirant people engage in shamanism, and their ceremonial practices revolve around the veneration of the household, the elements, and Mother Nature.
Does Kirat practice Hinduism?
The Kiranti ethnic groups who reside in Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Nepal practice Kirat, an indigenous faith.
Udhauli Parva 2023 Activities
Explore Nepal
Flying through the mountainous region of Nepal is costly, but the experience is well worth the expense. An exquisite ambiance and a vibrant culture converge to extend a cordially reception that will rejuvenate you and cause you to reminisce about your expedition for an extended period.
Behold the Udhauli Parva
Regardless of whether you are a local or a visitor, you should seize the opportunity to witness the celebrations in progress whenever you have the chance. By merely observing, one witnesses the culmination of millennia of history in action and contributes to the preservation of its legacy by having been present to witness it and carrying that experience with them thereafter.
Instruct future generations
Use this occasion to educate younger individuals on the historical and mythological aspects of this celebration. Engage children in the retelling of the tales Paruhang and Sumnina, incorporate them into the pre-celebration processes, and motivate them to participate actively during the emergence of the full moon.
Five Nepal facts that will astound you
Ascent from the summit
As winter approached, the Kirat people would observe Udhauli Parva while commencing their descent from the mountains.
The deepest and highest waterways
Lakes of the world’s greatest depths and highest altitudes are located in the Himalayas of Nepal.
Absence of cultural conflict
More than 80 indigenous groups harmoniously coexist in Nepal and violent cultural conflicts have never occurred.
The feet are filthy.
Touching anything or anyone with one’s feet is considered impolite in Nepal; even standing on or over someone is forbidden.
P.D.A. is prohibited.
Violations of this rule may result in enforcement actions, including arrests.
UDHAULI PARVA DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 26 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | December 15 | Sunday |
| 2025 | December 4 | Thursday |
| 2026 | December 24 | Thursday |
