Sakela
| Sakela | |
|---|---|
Khambu Rai boy and girl performing Sakela Sili dance in Chawrasta Darjeeling | |
| Also called | |
| Observed by | Kirat Khambu Rais around the world |
| Observances | Sakela sili, cultural group dance, religious services, family meetings, relative meetings |
| Begins | Sakela Udhauli (full moon day of Mangsir) and Sakela Ubhauli (full moon day of Baishak) |
| Ends | After 15 days |
| 2025 date | |
Sakela (also Sakewa or Sakenwa) (Nepali: साकेला) is one of the main festivals of the Khambu (Rai people), an ethnic group indigenous to Eastern Nepal and the Sikkim, Kalimpong, and Darjeeling regions of India. Sakela is celebrated twice a year and is distinguished by two names: Ubhauli and Udhauli. Sakela Ubhauli is celebrated during Baisakh Purnima (the full moon day in the month of Baisakh) and Sakela Udhauli is celebrated during the full moon day in the month of Mangsir.