Food artisans enjoy making Yomari

Kathmandu, Dec. 19: A group of food artisans was busy making a traditional Newari dish called Yomari at the grounds of the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) in Naxal, Kathmandu, on Wednesday.

To celebrate the rice harvest and Newari traditional food art, NAFA organised a one-day workshop titled Newa: Folk Art. 

On the full moon day of Marga Shukla Paksha, the Newa community celebrates Yomari Punhi and it is offered to gods and goddesses.

Yomari is a special steamed rice flour dumpling filled with Chaku (Molasses) or Khuwa (evaporated milk solids).

 Making Yomari is not only a way to celebrate the festival but also an art, as the dumplings are crafted in various shapes and sizes.

 Food artisans also created symbols such as birds, elephants, snakes and mice using rice flour.    

The event featured an interactive session with Newa cultural expert Ganesh Ram Lachi.  During the session, Lachi delivered a PowerPoint presentation discussing various aspects and dimensions of Newa folk art, particularly focusing on Yomari.

Naradmani Hartamchhali, Chancellor of the Academy, described Yomari as an important intangible cultural heritage of Nepal. He further added that Newari cultural art is deeply intertwined with the philosophical aspects of life. He remarked, “In folk art, Yomari can be regarded as a form of sculpture. Further research and exploration on this topic are necessary.”

Vice-Chancellor Lal Kaji Lama highlighted the significant role of Newa art in enriching Nepali culture. He mentioned that the programme was organised to promote indigenous arts and cultures and pass them down to future generations in connection with fine arts.

Pradeep Adhikari, Head of the Folk Art Department, emphasised that the Newa community is rich in folk culture, traditions and art. He noted that the community has preserved its cultural heritage to this day, which holds immense significance. 

He said, “In the current generation, there is almost no awareness or sense of ownership of indigenous folk culture. In this context, “I believe today’s programme will be effective in preserving and developing folk culture.”

Programme Coordinator Manara Prajapati remarked that intangible culture is vividly visible in Newari society. She explained that such art is not only a matter of identification but also of public interest, making this programme particularly significant.

Workshop participants included Julum Lal Chitrakar, Sangita Shrestha, Merina Chitrakar, Manara Prajapati, Deepmala Maharjan, Muna Shrestha, Bidur Poudel, Ayush Sunar, Sikander Chaudhary, Manasi Bhatt, Pralisha Shrestha, Meena Maharjan, Bina Maharjan, Laxmi Shrestha, Anamika Gautam, Jenny Ghale, Sunil Shakya, Nirupam Jaiswal, Sarita Chitrakar and others.