Sakela celebrated in Gangtok

Gangtok, 17 Dec: Sakela festival of the Rai community was celebrated in grand manner here in the capital today. The celebration was organised by the Akhil Kirat Rai Sangh Sikkim’s East District committee at Bulbulay with PHE Department advisor KB Chamling as chief guest accompanied by Kiran Rai as guest of honour.
The celebration started with rituals by the Mangpa, accompanied by all the members of the association praying for a good harvest.
The AKRS East District general secretary, DK Rai, gave a brief report on Sakela and its significance, explaining, “According to the Kirat holy book, Mundhum, a year is divided into two phases: Ubhauli (Going up) and Udhauli (Going down). It is generally accepted that the nomenclature of the words come from the migration pattern of birds. During the onset of the winter season in Mangsir, the birds migrate down to the warmer terai belt, and thus this phase of the year is known as Udhauli, meaning downward. Likewise, during the rise of the summer season, the birds migrate upward to the cooler hill regions, and therefore this latter phase is known as Ubhauli.
“Kirats believe in Shamanism and are worshipers of Mother Nature. The Sakela celebration is a prayer to Mother Nature for healthy crops and protection from natural calamities. Therefore the festival is also known as Bhumi Puja. Starting on Baisakh Purnima, Sakela Ubhauli is celebrated for 15 days in Baisakh (April/ May), which marks the beginning of the farming year.
Similarly, the celebration of Sakela Udhauli during Mangsir (November/December) is their way of thanking nature for providing them with a good harvest.”
The chief guest, in his address, appreciated the program organised by the committee. He added, “Every community should preserve their culture and tradition which has to be passed on to the next generation”.
The Rai calendar of 2014, published by AKRS Sikkim East District Committee was also released by the chief guest during the program.
The program also saw different types of Sili being performed by the youth and members of the association.