Yomari: Sweet Warmth for Winter
- Yomari Punhi is a joyful Newar festival celebrated on the full moon of December.
- It marks the end of the rice harvest and honors the goddess of grains.
- Families offer Yomari, a steamed rice dumpling filled with jaggery (chaku) and sesame seeds.
- Children go around the neighborhood in a fun tradition called “Yomari Phonegu.”
- The festival symbolizes gratitude, prosperity, and togetherness across Newar communities in the Kathmandu Valley.
Story of Yomari:
Long ago, in the Newar village of Panauti, a couple named Suchandra and Krita made a new dish from freshly harvested rice flour. They shaped it like a fish — believed to bring good luck — and filled it with sweet jaggery (chaku) and sesame seeds. When they offered it to the gods, the deity of wealth Kubera, appeared and was pleased with their creation. He blessed them and said that whoever prepares and eats this food will be blessed with prosperity and good fortune. Since then, Newar communities celebrate Yomari Punhi every year on the full moon of December, marking the end of the rice harvest season by making and sharing Yomari with joy and gratitude.
Events:
Patan hosts a wide range of cultural and community activities throughout the year, including traditional food celebrations, the lively Yomari festival with Yomari food stalls in the Patan Durbar area, cultural performances, local art displays, craft markets, musical programs and community gatherings.