Udhauli and Yomari Punhi Festivals Celebrated Nationwide Today

Kathmandu, Dec 4: The country is celebrating two major cultural festivals today—Yomari Punhi (Yomari Poornima) and Udhauli.

Yomari Punhi, primarily observed by the Newar community of the Kathmandu Valley, dates back around 400 years. The highlight of the festival is the preparation and sharing of Yomari, a special delicacy made from rice flour filled with molasses. The day is also commemorated as Jyapu Day, honouring the contributions of the Jyapu community.

Similarly, the Kirant community is marking Udhauli today. Observed by Rai, Limbu, Sunuwar, and Yakkha groups, the festival is dedicated to thanking nature and praying for good harvests, with rituals focused on worshipping land and the environment.

The federal government has declared a public holiday today in recognition of these cultural celebrations.