Discovering Yomari

A NEWARI DISH FROM NEPAL

 

INTRODUCTION

Every year, during the full moon in December, one of the well-known Newer festivities called Yomari Punhi, which means "full moon of yomari," is celebrated. A yomari is a sweet made from freshly harvested rice flour that is shaped like a fig, filled with brown sugar and sesame seeds, and then steam-cooked. The main dish served in Yomari Punhi's post-harvest celebration is this delicacy. People in the Kathmandu Valley worship Annapurna, the goddess of grains, in honour of the rice harvest on this day of the full moon. In the evening, groups of children walk to the neighbourhood to ask homeowners for yomari cakes.

HISTORY OF YOMARI

The origin of Yomari is the subject of numerous myths. The majority of people think that the married couple in Panauti who created this dish and served it to the peasants is where Yomari first came from. The dish was given the name Yomari because the peasants adored it. Additionally, the couple offered this meal to Kuber, the wealth-bringing deity who was dressed as a beggar. The couple's charity pleased Kuber, who bestowed upon them money and prosperity. On the Marga Sukla Purnima full moon day, he declared that anyone who prepares Yomari in the shapes of gods and goddesses will be blessed with wealth and success.

 

YOMARI SHAPE AND FILLINGS

Well, digging a little deeper reveals even more fascinating information about the
dish and its significance.

According to some sources, the Yomari's fish-like shape represents the top of the temple, which is located inside the shrine.

Some claim that the Yomari's triangular shape is indicative of one-half of the Shadkona (two overlapping triangles), which is regarded in Hinduism as a representation of Goddess Saraswoti and knowledge. The only thing that sets Yomari apart from one another, besides their shapes, is this. the Yomari fillings. In addition to the Chaku, Sesame seeds, and Khuwa (evaporated milk solids) fillings, Yomari also has another filling, particularly when Yomari Punhi is used in the production.

The Bayo Yomari is a type of Yomari that is packed with sesame and chaku seeds and represents a man's sex rag. Similar to the Mayo Yomari, which is triangular in shape and packed with black lentils to symbolize female beauty and riches.

However, their shapes don't appear to be uneven.

IMPORTANCE OF YOMARI

The Newars in the Kathmandu valley celebrate their culture during the Yomari Punhi. Additionally, it is thought that those who prepare Yomari on Marga Shukla Purnima's full moon day will be blessed with money and success. Newars live in Kathmandu as well, and their rich cultural traditions are fascinating.