KRY UK Festival & Events

Kirat Rai Yayokkha (KRY) UK is a community-led organisation representing the Kirat Rai people across the United Kingdom. The organisation is based at Kirat Rai House in Ripley, Surrey—a community-owned site purchased in 2014—which serves as a central hub for cultural, social, and community activities.

 

The Kirat Rai community in the UK has strong historical ties to the British Gurkha Army. Following policy changes in 2004/2005, many serving and retired Gurkha soldiers and their families settled across the UK. Since then, the community has grown and continues to make a positive contribution to British society.

Through KRY UK, the community actively:

  • Preserves and promotes indigenous heritage and traditions
  • Supports community wellbeing and intergenerational engagement
  • Encourages participation across all age groups
  • Strengthens integration with the wider UK community

KRY UK regularly organises national and regional gatherings, particularly within Guildford Borough, making it a key centre for community identity and engagement.

 

Annual Cultural Festivals

Each year, KRY UK hosts two of the most important cultural festivals of the Kirat Rai community: Ubhauli (“Ascending”) in May and Udhauli (“Descending”) in December. Both celebrations take place at: Kirat Rai House, Gambles Lane, Ripley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6HS

 

Ubhauli Festival

KRY UK hosts one of the most significant annual cultural celebrations of the Kirat Rai community: the Ubhauli (“Ascending”) Festival.

Ubhauli is an important indigenous festival celebrated in Nepal and by Kirat Rai communities worldwide. It symbolises the seasonal movement towards higher lands and reflects harmony with nature, gratitude, and the renewal of life.

 

Festival Highlights

The festival includes:

  • Traditional Sakela/Sakewa Sili dances performed by various linguistic groups
  • Spiritual observances honouring Sumnima and Paruhang, representing the earth and sky within Kirat Rai traditions
  • Cultural performances, music, and active community participation

The event attracts attendees from across the United Kingdom—including Surrey, Hampshire, Wiltshire, Kent, Essex, Warwickshire, Yorkshire, and Greater London—making it a significant national gathering.

 

Linguistic Names of Ubhauli

Across different Kirat Rai linguistic communities, the Ubhauli festival is known by various names, including:

Khaumo (Wambule), Tos (Kulung), Tosi (Thulung), Tosu (Dumi), Lak Chham (Puma), Was (Khaling), Sakela (Koyi/Koyu), Sakela (Chamling), Sakewa/Sakenwa (Bantawa), Sakhewa (Mewahang), Sakhewa (Sampang), and Hong/Segro (Bahing/Bayung).

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