A delightful smell rises from kitchens throughout the Kathmandu Valley as the fresh autumn air blows through Nepal. This isn’t just any feast, though; it’s Yomari Punhi, a festival celebrating the end of the rice harvest, which is being celebrated with great joy. Let’s explore the delightful origins, customs, and meaning of this special Nepalese holiday.
Simply translating to “Full Moon of Yomari,” Yomari Punhi occurs on the full moon of the Mangsir (November–December) month in Nepal. The term “Yomari” describes the main attraction, which is a fish-shaped piece of steamed sweet bread stuffed with sesame seeds and syrup.
Legend paints a beautiful picture of Yomari Punhi’s origin. In ancient times, a married couple named Suchandra and Krita found themselves faced with a barren harvest. Desperate, they experimented with the first yield of rice from their field, shaping it into fish-like figures resembling the mythical Matsya Avatar of Lord Vishnu, known for bringing prosperity. Their harvest amazingly flourished, and so began the custom of making Yomari and praying to the Goddess of grains, Annapurna.
Yomari Punhi is more than just a way to take in mouthwatering yomari. It’s a festival connected with long-standing customs and cultural significance.
Families gather to prepare Yomari together, the process itself a bonding experience passed down through generations. A genuinely comforting atmosphere is created when the warm scent of molasses combines with the laughter of children shaping dough.
Offerings of Yomari are made to Annapurna and other gods in thanksgiving for the rich crop and in hopes of obtaining blessings for continued prosperity.
Yomari are exchanged with friends and neighbors, cultivating a sense of community and spreading the festival’s joy. Children playfully “steal” Yomari from each other, adding a touch of lighthearted fun to the festivities.
In Kathmandu Valley, the festival erupts into vibrant masked dances known as Tusu and Lakhey. These energetic performances ward off evil spirits and bring in good fortune.
Yomari Punhi is not just a delightful reason for getting together and participating. It pays respect to the human spirit’s determination, as well as the importance of community, and the unbreakable connection that links humans to the natural world. It’s a time for celebrating resources, repairing family relationships and traditions, and accepting the possibility of new beginnings.
Going to Nepal in a time of Yomari Punhi? Take part in all of the festivities! Take part in the Yomari preparations with families, distribute the sweet treats to the community, and watch the colorful masked dances. Remember that respect is essential. Wear respectful clothes, get permission before taking pictures, and respect regional traditions.
