The Kirat Rai are an indigenous ethnic group of Nepal and parts of northeastern India, particularly in Sikkim and Darjeeling. They are part of the larger Kirati group, which includes the Limbu, Sunuwar, and Yakkha. The Kirat Rai people have a distinct cultural, linguistic, and spiritual identity. They primarily inhabit the hilly and mountainous regions of eastern Nepal, including areas like Khotang, Bhojpur, and Solukhumbu.

Key Characteristics of Kirat Rai People:

1. Language: They speak various Rai languages, which belong to the Tibeto-Burman family, but many also speak Nepali as a lingua franca.
2. Religion: They traditionally follow Kirat Mundhum, an animistic and nature-worshipping religion. Mundhum, an oral scripture, guides their spiritual practices and lifestyle.
3. Culture: The Kirat Rai people have a rich cultural heritage, including vibrant clothing, music, and dances. Their society is closely tied to nature, and many of their rituals are centered on seasonal cycles, agriculture, and worship of natural elements.
4. Livelihood: Agriculture is their primary occupation, but they are also known for their bravery and service in the Gurkha regiments.

Why Kirati People Celebrate Sakela:

Sakela is one of the most significant festivals of the Kirati people, especially for the Rai community. It is celebrated to honor nature, ancestors, and deities. It is also known as Ubhauli (celebrated in spring) and Udhauli (celebrated in autumn), reflecting the agricultural cycle.

Reasons for Celebrating Sakela:

1. Nature Worship: Sakela is rooted in the Kirat belief system, which venerates nature. It is a way of thanking nature for its bounty and seeking blessings for a good harvest.
2. Agricultural Connection: Ubhauli marks the beginning of the farming season when people migrate to higher altitudes for better grazing and cultivation, while Udhauli celebrates the end of the harvest and the movement to lower altitudes.
3. Cultural Identity: The festival reinforces the Kirati people's cultural identity and strengthens community bonds through collective celebration.
4. Spiritual Significance: During Sakela, prayers are offered to ancestors and deities for protection, prosperity, and harmony in the community.

How It Is Celebrated:

• Sakela Dance: The centerpiece of the celebration is the Sakela Sili, a traditional dance performed in groups, symbolizing unity, life, and harmony with nature. The dance imitates various aspects of life, including agricultural activities and animal movements.
• Traditional Attire: Participants wear traditional Rai clothing, often adorned with jewelry and ornaments.
  
• Rituals: The festival begins with rituals led by a Nakchhong (priest), who offers prayers and sacrifices to nature and ancestors.

Sakela is more than a festival; it is a vibrant expression of the Kirati way of life, reflecting their deep connection to nature and heritage.