Udhauli, Yomari Punhi and Jyapu Diwas are being observed in the country today with various programmes. Take a look at the history of the festivals.
Kathmandu, Dec 26: Udhauli festival is observed every year by the Kirati people including Limbu, Sunar, Khambu Rai at home and around the globe. The day, which falls on the day of Purnima (full moon) in the Nepali month of Mangsir, marks the commencement of the winter season, indicating the start of migration from highlands to lowlands to escape cold.
The festival has also agricultural significance with the transition from the harvesting season to the preparation for the winter season. The communities offer thanks to mother nature for the harvest.
Udhauli is also a festival associated with nature worship. The Kirat community has a strong bond with nature, and the festival reflects their gratitude for the nature.
On the day various rituals and ceremonies are performed by the Kirat people. Traditional dances, offerings to deities associated with nature and fertility are performed.
Particularly, traditional dance called “Sakewa” or commonly known as ”Sakela” is performed. The dance is performed by dancing harmoniously in a circle by beating Dhol/drum, Jhyamta/cymbals etc.
Yomari Punhi
Yomari Punhi is a festival observed every year by the Newari community at home and abroad. Dedicated to the worship of Annapurna, the goddess of grains, the festival, which falls on the day of Purnima (full moon) in the Nepali month of Mangsir, marks the end of the rice harvest.
The main attraction of the festival is a special steamed or boiled rice cake called Yomari, a dish made from rice flour (from the new harvest) dough in fish shape with the mixture of molasses and sesame seeds. The festival also stands for the family union where families gather together for special rituals like the preparation of Yomari and the worship of Annapurna.
Yomari is distributed among family members, relatives, and neighbors as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. The festival serves as a sense of community bonding, as people come together to celebrate, share Yomari, and participate in festive activities.
Jyapu Diwas (Day)
Jyapu Day, also known as Farmers’ Day, is observed by the Newari community especially by the traditional farming community within the community called Jyapu. The day which falls on the day of Purnima (full moon) in the Nepali month of Mangsir has been observed lately since 2002.
On the occasion, Newari people of the Kathmandu Valley in traditional Newari attires take part in the cultural processions taken out in the city. During the procession, traditional music is played and a Yomari in large size is placed in a vehicle. People from various walks of life including take part in the procession.
