Udhauli Parva 2023: Every year on the evening of the full moon in the month of Mangsir—this year on December 8—a celebration known as Udhauli Parva is conducted. In the Nepali calendar, “Mangsir” is the eighth month; in the Gregorian calendar, it is December. As the birds soar toward warmer climes, this celebration honors the passing of the seasons and the arrival of winter.
With traditional dancing, singing, and giving thanks for the gifts from nature, the Kirant community, where this holiday is most widely observed, observes this festival in thanksgiving to Mother Earth for the harvest of the land.
The History of Udhauli Parva
The Kirat mythology of a sun god falling in love with an earthly god is the basis for Udhauli Parva. The goddess of the land, Sumnina, captivated the attention of Paruhang, the god of the sun. He asked Sumnina to marry him and gave her a lovely comb because he was so enamored with her. After she agreed, the earth and the heavens were wed and lived in bliss together until one day Paruhang vanished out of nowhere.
For several days, Sumnina worried about her husband who had vanished. She was depressed, but she still had her kids to love and take care of. She discovered a creeper plant that, if she ate it, would grant her power, happiness, strength, and the desire to speak the truth while she was searching the forest for food to feed her kids.
They turned the plant into a wearable Buti (traditional talisman), believing that these feelings could benefit others. She was happy that this talisman had brought happiness and tranquility to many people, even though she still missed her husband a lot.
Days later, Paruhang went back to Sumnina. Paruhang informed Sumnina that he had been sitting atop Mount Everest, meditating and traveling the entire universe after donning the talisman that causes one to speak the truth.
He promised her and their family that he would never leave again, even after witnessing and experiencing so many wonders; it was as though the universe itself could not compare to his cherished wife and kids.
Sumnina joyfully danced upon hearing this. This dance, now called the Sakela dance, is performed at the festival. Young boys and girls perform this dance in an effort to find love similar to that of Paruhang and Sumnina.
How to celebrate it
Go to Nepal
Flying over Nepal’s mountainous landscape is expensive, but the trip is well worth it. You will be greeted with a warm welcome and be enthralled with the breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture, which will linger over your trip for years to come.
Keep in mind Udhauli Parva
If you get the chance, you should definitely take advantage of the chance to watch the celebrations unfold, whether you’re a visitor or a local. Just by observing, you are contributing to the continuation of thousands of years of history because you were present to witness it and will always remember it.
Instruct the future generation.
Use this as an opportunity to educate younger children about the legend and background of this celebration. Children should be told the tale of Paruhang and Sumnina, included in the planning of the celebrations, and encouraged to take part in the full moon rise festivities!
5 Facts
Descending the mountainside
When winter began to bite, the Kirat people would start their annual migration down from the mountains to celebrate Udhauli Parva.
Deepest and highest lakes
There are lakes in Nepal’s Himalayas that are the deepest and highest in the world.
No clash of cultures
Eighty indigenous groups live in peace and harmony in Nepal, a country without violent cultural clashes.
Feet are dirty.
Touching anything or anyone with your feet is considered impolite in Nepal; even stepping on or over someone is forbidden.
P.D.A. is prohibited.
Public displays of affection are strongly discouraged and forbidden in Nepal; violating this law may land you in jail.
Reasons Udhauli Parva Issue
It’s a cultural expression.
A thousand-year-old festival shows how a culture survives through its people, not its artifacts. We hope that the Kirant community’s celebration of Udhauli Parva continues for thousands more years. It is a lovely tradition.
Nature is honored.
Despite the harsh terrain of the Himalayas, the Kirant people were grateful for what the land offered. Nature and humans can coexist peacefully if they are aware of the earth and its benefits.
It’s a romantic scene.
The Sakela dance performed during the festival presents an opportunity for the younger people of the community to find love. The dance encourages young people to put themselves out there and be open to either finding or receiving love.
UDHAULI PARVA DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | December 8 | Thursday |
| 2023 | December 26 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | December 15 | Sunday |
| 2025 | December 4 | Thursday |
| 2026 | December 24 | Thursday |
