Yomari Punhi – 12th December

Yomari Punhi is an auspicious day celebrated on the 12th of December by the Newar community in Nepal. This festival holds significant cultural and religious meaning for the Newar people and is observed with great enthusiasm and fervour by them. The word Yomari comes from “yo” meaning “to like” and “mari” meaning “delicacy”, referring to the sweet meat made during this celebratory occasion.

Yomari Punhi, also known as Yomari Purnima, is one of the most prominent festivals of the Newar community in Nepal.

It is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of December, which is known as Poush Shukla Purnima in the Nepali calendar.

This festival marks the end of the agricultural harvest season and the beginning of the winter solstice in Nepal.

The Newar community is renowned for its rich cultural and religious traditions, and Yomari Punhi is one of the most important festivals in their calendar.

The Newars believe that the deity of grains and wealth, Annapurna Devi, protects them from famine and poverty, and this festival is dedicated to her as a way of showing gratitude and seeking her blessings.

Yomari Punhi is a festival that is celebrated with great vigour and joy by the Newar community.

It brings together family, friends, and community members to celebrate and indulge in the delicious food and cultural traditions.

The main highlight of this festival is the making and eating of Yomari, a steamed rice flour dumpling filled with molasses, sesame seeds, and spices.

The process of making Yomari is a family affair, where every member of the family, from young to old, comes together to make this sweet delicacy.

The Yomari is considered sacred and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the family, making it an essential part of this festival.

Apart from Yomari, other traditional dishes such as Sambuso (a fried meat pie) and Sanyakhuni (a fried chickpea flour patty) are also made on this occasion.

The celebration of Yomari Punhi also includes traditional dance performances, singing of traditional songs, and various cultural rituals and ceremonies.

One of the major rituals is the worship of the Yomari God, where Yomari is offered as an auspicious Prasad to the deity for blessings and prosperity.

People also visit temples and shrines to offer prayers and seek blessings from the deities during this festival.

The celebrations of Yomari Punhi continue throughout the day and culminate in the evening with the lighting of oil lamps and candles outside every house and Newar establishments.

The beautiful sight of these lights adorning the streets and homes is a reflection of the unity and harmonious spirit of the Newar community.

Yomari Punhi is not just a festival but a reflection of the rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions of the Newar community in Nepal.

It is a celebration of their unity, faith, and cultural identity, and it brings together people of all ages, castes, and religions to celebrate and promote the shared cultural heritage of Nepal.

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