The Kirant communities of Sunuwar, Rai, Limbu, and Yakkha in Nepal celebrate the annual festival of Ubhauli (उभौली) which marks their migration towards the hilly regions as summer arrives. This festival, also known as "Wasa," has been celebrated for an unknown period of time. The festivities of Ubhauli commence 15 days before the onset of the rainy season, coinciding with the Buddha Jayanti. This year's celebrations began on May 9 and will continue until May 23. During Ubhauli, celebrants perform the Sakela dance as a prayer to Mother Nature for healthy crops and protection from natural calamities in the upcoming year. The Sakela dance is not just a performance, but a representation of civilization, identity, and history. Here are photos from the Kirantis of Dhapasi celebrating the "Ubhauli Parba", which they fondly call "Wasa Parba". All Photos by Nikki Thapa Major characters of Sakela dance tying turbans in Ubhauli Parba. Dhapasi, Kathmandu. A Kiranti man blowing the horn trumpet for Sakela dancing at Ubhauli Parba. Kiranti women wear traditional attire and ornaments for Ubhauli Parba. Ubhauli Parba celebrants offer "prasad" a ritual drink to greet each other. Major characters of Sakela dance during Ubhauli Parba. Major characters of Sakela dance drink "prasad" a ritual drink during Ubhauli Parba in Dhapasi. Kiranti Men officiate the Sakela dance as a prayer to Mother Nature for healthy crops and protection from natural calamities in the upcoming year. The Sakela dance is not just a performance, but a representation of civilization, identity, and history. Men and women stand and go around in circles, dipping one foot while swaying their hands side-by-side slowly. Occasionally, dancers twirl slowly to the tunes of cymbals clamoring in the beat of 1-2 1-2, with the occasional horn trumpet blowing. More and more people gradually join the circle, forming more than one or two circles eventually. Sakela dancers. Sakela dancers. Sakela dancers. Kiranti wear traditional attire and ornaments for Ubhauli Parba in Dhapasi, Kathmandu. Kiranti women wear traditional attire and ornaments for Ubhauli Parba.