What is Udhauli Parva? According to Kiranti beliefs, winter begins that day with the movement of animals and birds from the lake to the valley. The effects are more powerful at higher altitudes, so the Kirats travel to lower-altitude places during the full moon in Mangsir to avoid the harsh winter weather. “Udhauli” means downhill, while “Ubhauli” is the upwards counterpart of this event, held around five months later (in the month of Baisakh), when the Kirats return to the highlands for the summer.

When is Udhauli Parva? The festival is celebrated on Mangsir Purnima, the full moon day of the eighth lunar month, which occurs in late November or December in the Western calendar. In 2024, Udhauli Parva is on December 15, but it varies for each year. 

What happens on Udhauli Parva? 

On this day, they honor the goddess Annapurna and enjoy yomari, a sweet steamed dumpling. Kirats celebrate by dancing and singing traditional songs. A unique type of dance known as Sakela is performed, which is why the day may also be called Sakela Udhauli. A feast is also organized, and Kirat ladies dress in chhit ko guneu for this holiday. Kirats around the world continue to practice their customs and celebrate Udhauli and Ubhauli.

Sources: 

https://www.officeholidays.com/holidays/nepal/province-1/udhauli-parva

https://ntb.gov.np/en/udhauli-parva