MEMBERS of the Kirat Rai community joined at Rocherlea Community Hall yesterday in preparation for December's Sakela Udhauli festival.
The Kirat Rai people, originally from Bhutan, join each December to celebrate the beginning of winter and worship, pray and thank God for supporting their lives through fruitful harvest.
Community member Purna Rai explained about 200 people were expected to participate in the public ritual, which would feature traditional song, dance and food.
He said holding the festival in Tasmania was an important way of preserving the community's tradition and culture.
The December 6 event will mark the first time the Sakela Udhauli is celebrated in the state.
It will be the first time some members of the Bhutanese community have participated.
"For three months we have been practising," Mr Rai said.
"When we dance together there is automatic happiness."
FACT FILE
WHAT: Sakela Udhali Growing Festival.
WHEN: December 6 from 11am until 3pm.
WHERE: University of Tasmania, Allenby Oval, Newnham
