Yomari Punhi: Newar Community Celebrates the End of Harvest Season

Yomari Punhi, one of the most significant festivals of the Newar community, is being celebrated across Nepal today. The festival marks the conclusion of the rice harvesting season and is observed with great enthusiasm.

Central to the celebration is the preparation and sharing of Yomari, a traditional delicacy made from freshly harvested rice flour, filled with chaku (molasses) and sesame seeds. The dish is not only flavorful but also considered highly nutritious, helping to keep warm during the winter. It symbolizes wealth and prosperity in the Newar culture.

This year, Yomari Punhi falls on December 15, aligning with the full moon day in November/December as per the lunar calendar. Early in the morning, women from Newar households begin preparing Yomari, filling homes with the festive aroma of this special dish.

The festival also involves rituals where the community worships their paddy storage areas, expressing gratitude for a bountiful harvest.

On this occasion, fairs and gatherings are organized at various locations, including Dhaneshwor in Kavrepalanchowk, Anantalingeshwor in Bhaktapur, Champadevi in Kathmandu, and Shikharbesi and Dupcheshwor in Nuwakot, adding to the festive spirit.

Yomari Punhi highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Newar community, celebrating tradition, gratitude, and the joy of harvest.