Kathmandu, May 13:

Ubhauli, a cultural festival of Kirants, was celebrated today in the capital at Tundhikel. According to the Kiranti tradition, Ubhauli is celebrated before cultivating crops by praying for good harvest. “We have been celebrating this festival since ancient times,” said Bishnu Bhakta Rai, 55, of Dhapasi. Ubhauli festivities begin 15 days before the rainy season, coinciding with the Buddha Jayanti. This year, it started on May 9 and will end on May 23. “We also celebrate Udhauli after a good harvest,” said Rai. “We first offer our harvest to God before eating it,” he added. Sakela Shili, a dance competition, was organised by the Kiranti National Liberation Front on the occasion. Altogether 21 teams participated in the competition, with young and old danced merrily. “It is our symbol of unity,” said Rai. “Other communities celebrate it as Chandi Purnima.” The festival will conclude with a prize distribution ceremony to the winners of the Shakela Shili competition. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa, inaugurating the function, said the President’s move had deepened the political crisis in the country. According to the KNLF, there are about 1.6 million Kirantis in the country.