Yomari Punhi

Yomari Punhi also known as Yamari Purnima is a significant festival celebrated in Newar community. It is a festival that marks the end of rice harvest. People offer rice to the goddess of grain by making a steamed rice flour dumplings filled with chaku, a chocolate-like food or khuwa. Yomari Punhi takes place on the full moon day of the second month of the Nepalese lunar calendar, called Thinlaa in the month of November / December. The Newa word ‘ya’ translates ‘to like’ and ‘mari’ to ‘roti or flatbread’ thus making the word Yamari / Yomari.

History:

The history of Yomari with Newar community dates several centuries back integrating strongly with cultural and traditional values of Newar communities in Nepal. There is a myth regarding the origin of Yomari and the practice of eating this sweet food. According to a legend, there was a couple named Suchandra and his wife Krita invented a unique dumpling made of rice flour and filled with molasses and sesame seeds. Hearing that Suchandra was a generous man - Kuber, the god of wealth came to visit him in a disguise of a beggar to test his kindness. One day Kuber visited Suchandra’s house and he was overwhelmed by their hospitality and respect towards him as he presented himself as a beggar. Suchandra’s wife offered him the same yomari they invented and was praised by everyone in the village. After having the yomari Kuber was very delighted and pleased with the couple and blessed them with wealth and prosperity. He told the couples that whoever prepares yomari in the shape of God and goddess on the full moon will be blessed with wealth and prosperity. This belief is thought to have inspired people to celebrate this festival.

Importance:

The festival takes place for several days where all the families gather to prepare Yomari to offer their deities such as Ganesh, Kumar and Lakhshmi before offering it to anyone. This festival is considered as a symbol of good health and longevity among the followers. As Yomari is prepared from freshly harvested rice that represents abundance and nourishment.

The festival is a beautiful mixture of food, faith, and fellowship, making it a unforgettable part of Nepal's cultural landscape.  It nourishes the sense of unity as families as well as neighbors who come together to prepare and share Yomari with each other.

Experience cultural delights and savor traditional cuisine at Landmark Hotels and Resorts.