Belgium
Kirat Community Celebrates Ubhauli Sakela 5086 with Grandeur in Belgium: The Kirat community in Belgium celebrated Ubhauli Sakela 5086, one of the most significant cultural festivals of the Kirat people, with great enthusiasm and traditional splendor in the historic city of Leuven. The event was organized by the Kirat Rai Society Belgium and attracted a large gathering of Nepali community leaders, representatives of various ethnic organizations from across Europe, and distinguished officials from the local Belgian government.
Ubhauli Sakela is a major festival of the Kirat community, observed to express gratitude to nature during the agricultural season. The celebration symbolizes harmony between humanity and nature and honors ancestral traditions that have been preserved for generations.
The festival featured vibrant Sakela Sili dances, traditional Kirati attire, ethnic jewelry, cultural performances, and folk music, providing attendees with a rich showcase of Nepal’s indigenous heritage.
In a video message, Sewa Lamsal, Ambassador of Nepal to the Benelux countries and the European Union, praised the efforts of the Nepali diaspora in preserving their cultural identity abroad. She stated that such traditional festivals serve as the backbone of Nepali identity in foreign lands and convey important messages about coexistence with nature and community values.
The event’s chief guest, Lothe Ramackers, Deputy Mayor of Leuven, expressed admiration for Nepal’s cultural diversity. He noted that Nepal’s rich heritage is a treasure not only for Nepal but for the entire world. Highlighting the growing cultural ties between Nepal and Belgium, he emphasized that programs like Sakela promote friendship, tolerance, and mutual understanding among communities.
Another Leuven city official, Dirk Vansina, Deputy Mayor of Leuven, reaffirmed the city’s commitment to multicultural cooperation and commended the Nepali community for enriching Leuven’s diverse cultural landscape.
Among the distinguished guests was Surya Dhakal, a member of the Leuven City Council and one of the first elected representatives of Nepali origin in the city. He described Nepal’s cultural diversity as a source of pride and extended his best wishes for the Sakela festival.
Representatives of Nepali organizations from Belgium and across Europe highlighted the historical and cultural significance of the festival. Kamal Panthi, President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Belgium, remarked that the Kirat civilization dates back thousands of years and deserves greater international recognition for its contribution to human history.
Ninamma Rai, President of Rai Society Germany and former NRNA leader, described Sakela as the soul of the Kirat people and a celebration that honors both ancestors and nature. Similar sentiments were echoed by leaders from Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, and Germany, who emphasized the role of such events in preserving cultural identity among younger generations living abroad.
Leaders from various Nepali ethnic organizations in Belgium, including representatives from the Gurung, Magar, Sherpa, Tamang, Thakali, and Limbu communities, also participated in the celebration. They praised the spirit of unity and cultural cooperation demonstrated by the event.
The festival commenced with traditional rituals honoring ancestors and nature, followed by performances of various Sakela Sili dance forms. In a memorable display of cultural exchange, Belgian officials and other international guests joined the community in the traditional Sakela dance, delighting participants and spectators alike.
A special tribute was paid to 84-year-old Shivkumari Rai, daughter-in-law of Nepal’s democratic freedom fighter Ram Prasad Rai, who was honored by the Kirat Rai Society Belgium for her contributions and lifelong dedication to the community.
The event prominently displayed the flags of Nepal, Belgium, and the Kirat community, symbolizing friendship, cultural collaboration, and mutual respect between the two nations. Organizers noted that support from the Leuven municipality and local institutions contributed significantly to the success of the celebration.
Speaking at the conclusion of the program, Indira Chamling, President of Kirat Rai Society Belgium, thanked all attendees, volunteers, and supporters. She expressed confidence that such events play a vital role in strengthening cultural identity, promoting unity among the Nepali diaspora, and fostering international cultural exchange.
The grand celebration of Ubhauli Sakela 5086 not only reinforced the cultural pride of the Kirat community but also showcased Nepal’s rich indigenous heritage on an international stage, further strengthening the bonds between Nepal and Belgium.
