KATHMANDU, Dec 3: Yomari Punhi and Udhauli festivals were observed across the country on Saturday.
Yomari Punhi and Udhauli celebrations (photo feature)
Yomari Punhi is a festival observed by the Newar community of the Valley and is believed to have started 400 years ago. A special delicacy made of rice flour and molasses called Yomari is the major attraction of this festival.
Coincidently, the day also happens to be the Udhauli festival observed by people from the Kirant community. This festival is observed wishing for a good harvest by worshipping the soil and nature. People from the Rai, Limbu, Sunuwar and Yakhya ethnicities observe this festival.
They celebrate by beating drums and cymbals to worship their ancestors and nature. They perform a special kind of dance called Sakela. The youths and elderly pray for favorable weather for crops while exchanging greetings with each other.
