Nepal, a country celebrated for its diverse cultures and traditions, observes numerous festivals that reflect the richness of its heritage. Among these, Udhauli Parva and Yomari Punhi stand out as remarkable celebrations with deep historical and cultural significance. These festivals, celebrated by different ethnic communities, are rooted in Nepal’s agrarian history and embody gratitude, community, and spirituality.

Udhauli Parva: A Festival of Migration and Gratitude
Udhauli Parva, primarily celebrated by the Kirant community, marks the seasonal migration of people and animals from the high hills to the lower valleys during winter. The festival reflects the traditional practice of transhumance, where communities shifted their settlement and livestock to warmer regions for survival during the cold months.
The festival dates back to ancient times when agrarian practices were deeply intertwined with human life. Kirants, who are among the oldest indigenous groups of Nepal, believed in the harmony of nature and humans. Udhauli, which means “downward movement,” symbolizes this connection to nature and its adaptation to changing seasons.

Rituals and Celebrations
Udhauli is celebrated with fervor by the Rai, Limbu, and Sunuwar communities. Central to the festival is the Sakela dance, also known as the Chandi Naach, performed to express gratitude to nature for a successful harvest.
Participants, dressed in traditional attire, form a large circle and dance to the rhythm of drums and traditional musical instruments. The dance movements mimic agricultural activities like plowing, planting, and harvesting, symbolizing a harmonious relationship with nature.
The Nakchhong, a priest, leads the rituals, offering prayers and sacrifices to Paruhang and Sumnima, the ancestral deities of the Kirant people. Seasonal foods and delicacies are prepared, bringing families and communities together in celebration.

Yomari Punhi: The Festival of Sweet Harvest
Yomari Punhi, a festival of the Newar community, celebrates the end of the harvest season and pays homage to Annapurna, the goddess of grains. The word “Yomari” translates to “tasty bread” in the Newari language, and “Punhi” means full moon. This festival, therefore, takes place on the full moon day of Thinla, the second month of the Nepal Sambat calendar, which usually falls in December.
Historical accounts trace the origin of Yomari Punhi back to around 400 years ago in the Kathmandu Valley. Legend has it that a farmer couple from Panchal (modern-day Panauti) invented the Yomari, a steamed dumpling made of rice flour and filled with molasses and sesame seeds, to celebrate a bountiful harvest. It is believed that offering Yomaris to the gods brought prosperity and good health.

Rituals and Practices
On this day, Newar households prepare Yomaris and offer them to the gods as a gesture of gratitude for the harvest. The Yomari is shaped like a fish, symbolizing fertility and abundance. Special offerings are made to the household deity and deities like Ganesh, Kumar, and Laxmi.
Children and young people visit homes in their neighborhood singing traditional songs and are given Yomaris in return. This practice fosters a sense of community and joy.

Additionally, this day is significant for honoring gods of wealth and grains, ensuring prosperity for the coming year. The festival is also marked by the Jal Jyatra, a procession held in some parts of the Kathmandu Valley, where the deities are taken around in a ceremonial walk.
Common Themes and Unity in Diversity
Though Udhauli Parva and Yomari Punhi are celebrated by different ethnic communities, they share common themes of gratitude for nature, celebration of the harvest, and community bonding. Both festivals underscore the agrarian roots of Nepali society and emphasize harmony with nature and the divine.
Modern-Day Relevance
In today’s rapidly changing world, festivals like Udhauli and Yomari Punhi remind people of their roots and foster unity amidst diversity. They also offer a platform for promoting cultural tourism. The vibrant dances of Sakela during Udhauli and the delicious Yomaris of Yomari Punhi attract tourists who wish to experience Nepal’s rich traditions firsthand.
Efforts to preserve and promote these festivals are vital for ensuring that future generations continue to cherish and celebrate the diverse heritage of Nepal.
Udhauli Parva and Yomari Punhi are more than just festivals; they are a celebration of life, gratitude, and cultural identity. These traditions have been passed down for centuries, offering a glimpse into the harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and spirituality. As Nepal embraces modernity, these festivals continue to serve as a bridge to its rich and diverse past, uniting communities in celebration and thanksgiving.