Nepali Sakela Dance Video by French

Sakela dance performed by large groups of Kirats wearing their traditional attire. People from all ages dance together in a large circle. There are male and female leaders in each circle known as Silimangpa and Silimangma respectively. These two people control the sili of the dance while the other dancers imitate them. The sili, style of the dance moves, reflects the different aspects of human life and our relationship with nature. The ritual starts with the chula puja, worship of chula, at home by the kirat priest nakchhong. After completion of the chula puja, nakchhong performs a sacrificial rite (usually with chicken) over a sacred place known as Sakela Than, which is usually under a sacred tree.

The nakchhong signals the completion of rituals by starting the Sakela dance by him/herself and the actual group Sakela dance commences then. All dancers form a large circle and dance joyously around it. The beating of the Dhol(Drum) and the "Jhyamta" accompany the different silies guided by the Silimangpa and the Silimangma.