Yomari

Yomari is a delicacy of Newars. It consists of an external covering of rice-flour and an inner content of sweet substances such as Chaku. The delicacy plays a very important role in Newar society. According to some, the triangular shape of the yomari is symbolical representation of one half of shadkona, the symbol of Saraswati and wisdom [Kantipur by Basu Pasa] .

Etymology

The name Yomari comes from two Nepal Bhasa words, "yo" meaning "to like" and "mari" meaning "delicacy". So, literally, it is a delicacy which is very popular

External links

* [http://www.nepalhomepage.com/society/festivals/yompun.html Yomari Punhi]

The festival is said to have started from panchal nagar(present day Panauti). Myth has it that Suchandra and Krita, a married couple, first experimented with fresh yield of rice from their field. And what took shape turned out came to be known as yomari. The new delicacy was eventually distributed among the villagers. As the food was liked by all, the bread was named yomari, which literally means 'tasty bread'. The myth further states that on the same day the couple offered the god of wealth, Kuber, the new delicacy, who was passing by in a disguise. Following this Kuber disclosed , his real identity and blessed the couple with wealth. He also declared that whoever will prepare yomari in the form of gods and goddesses on the full moon of December and observe four days of devotion to god, will get rid of poverty. The festival is celebrated on the second day when prayers are offered during which the yomaris are stored and not eaten on that very day. On the fourth and the final day the people belonging to the Newar community consume the sweet bread as a gift from gods and this practise also marks the end of the festival.

References