Kirat Mundhum

Kirat Mundum is the folk religion of the Kirati ethnic groups of Nepal, Darjeeling and Sikkim. It is a blend of shamanism, animism, and Shaivism (a major Hindu worship tradition). It is practiced by slightly over 3% of the Nepali population. The four Kirat ethnoreligious groups Khambu (Rai), Limbu (Subba), Sunuwar (Mukhia), and Yakkha (Dewan) have religious texts and folk literature related to the culture, customs and traditions that existed before the rise of the Vedic civilization in India. Kirants practice shamanism, and their rituals are related to the worship of mother nature (often attended by a male sky god consort), ancestors, the sun, the moon, wind, fire, and the principal pillar of Kirat houses. Most of these sacred rituals are performed by tribal priests. All four Kirant groups celebrate similar, but often slightly differing festivals throughout the year. Sakela is the main festival of the Khambu (Rai) group. In this festival, they worship mother nature and ancestors who are believed to dwell in a Chulla, a garden fireplace made of three symbolic stones. The two annual Sakela celebrations are namedUbhauli and Udhauli. Ubhauli is celebrated in the spring (April/May) Indian month of Baisakh when the moon is full. Prayers are offered for the wellbeing of families and for good weather for throughout the planting season. Udhauli, also celebrated when the moon is full, occurs the late-autumn Indian month of Mangsir (mid-November to mid-December). During Udhauli, the Kirat thank mother nature and their ancestors for their blessings and for an abundant harvest. In both Ubhauli and Udhauli, worship includes the sacrifice of a rooster, offerings of ginger, rice, and homemade alcohol, and the placing of tree resin among burning coals to produce fragrance. A Sakela dance is also performed, one that depicts life activities like planting and harvesting rice. The dance also features imitations of the behavior of familiar animals and birds. Ubhauli translates as going up, and Udhauli translates as coming down, a reference to the spring and autumn migratory pattern of birds.