Sakela Ubhauli 5086 Celebrated with Grandeur at Haijima Park, Tokyo

TOKYO, JAPAN – The Kirat Rai community in Japan celebrated their major cultural festival, Sakela Ubhauli 5086, with great enthusiasm on Sunday, May 3. The event was jointly organized by the Kirat Rai Yayokkha Japan Central Committee and the Tokyo Chapter at the scenic Haijima Park (Haijima Koen), a location renowned for its natural beauty.

_{Image: Kirat Rai Yayokkha Tokyo 2026 Team} 

     _{Video:   Celebration of Sakela 2026 at Haijima Park.}

               _{(Video courtesy : Mr. Prabin Thulung Rai )}

_{Image:Distinguished guests & representatives at Sakela 2026 Japan.}

According to the event coordinator and master of ceremonies, Mr. Bason Puma Rai, the celebration saw a significant turnout of approximately 400 participants, including both Kirat and non-Kirat Nepali expatriates. The festival is organized annually with the primary goal of preserving and promoting Kirat indigenous culture and traditions among the Nepali diaspora in Japan.The formal proceedings commenced at 11:00 AM, graced by the presence of several distinguished guests. Mr. Subhash Lamichhane, the immediate past president of NRNA Japan, attended as the Chief Guest, alongside various representatives from prominent Nepali community organizations based in Japan.

The highlight of the day was the Sakela Sili dance. To the rhythmic beats of the Dhol (drum) and Jhyamta (cymbals), participants performed the collective Sakela Sili, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere. Attendees noted that the festival which is rooted in the worship of nature and ancestors plays a vital role in strengthening harmony and brotherhood among the Nepali community living in Japan.The organizers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers, supporters, and participants who contributed to making the event a grand success.